The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Serenity Prayer Explained
- GOD Saying this word, I am admitting the existence of a consciousness or a Higher Power that is greater than I.
- GRANT Saying this second word, I am admitting that this consciousness or Higher Power is able to bestow and give to me and to others.
- ME I am asking something for myself. Holy books say that if I ask sincerely, it shall be given. It is not wrong to ask for improving myself For with the improvements of my character, both I and people around me will be happier, and my relationships will have a better chance to improve.
- Serenity I am asking for calmness, composure, and inner peace in my life which will enable me to transcend my ego, to think straight, and govern myself properly.
- To Accept I am resigning myself to conditions as they are right now. I am living in the now, the present moment.
- The Things I acknowledge my tragedy, death, suffering, illness and pain, as a part of my life, neither good nor bad. I accept my humanness and fallibility. I am accepting my lot in life as it is. Until I have the courage to change any part of my life I don't like, I must accept it, without doing so grudgingly.
- I Can not Change I can't prevent these events or conditions from happening to others or me.
- Courage A quality that enables me to deal with the problems and realities of life without reliance on alcohol or drugs. A determination to stand my ground and "slug it out" with all issues, pleasant or otherwise, that might return me to drinking or using. A strength of my spirit to face and handle the negative. Fearlessness in the practice of faith, humility, and honesty.
- TO CHANGE In facing these negatives directly and honestly, I am asking for myself and my life conditions to be different for me. I am taking an active part in this changing.
- THE THINGS I CAN DO I am asking for help to make the right decisions. Everything is not the way I would like it to be in my life. I must continue to face reality and constantly work toward my continued growth and progress.
- AND THE WISDOM I am asking for the ability to rise above my ego and form sound judgments about myself and my life. I then use my ability to ask for guidance for myself, others, and a Higher Power.
- TO KNOW I want to be able to understand clearly the truth or facts.
- THE DIFFERENCE I want to see things differently in my life so that I will be more aware of myself and of others. I need to sense an infinite value of loving rather than being selfish.
Many people in recovery find the serenity prayer to be helpful to keep ones priority's straight.
If you are in recovery and are frustrated at the world for making recovery so damn hard try the serenity prayer a few times and then call your sponsor.
