Use the Serenity Prayer in a difficult situation
The Serenity Prayer asks for serenity, courage, and wisdom. Its value lies in the distinction between what you can change and what you cannot control.
Sort the situation with care
- List what is outside your control.
- Circle the actions and boundaries that belong to you.
- Take the unsure parts to a trusted person.
Acceptance does not mean approval
You can accept that a fact is real while still opposing harm or setting a boundary. Acceptance stops you spending all your energy arguing with reality.
Courage then turns towards the action that remains possible.
Wisdom often arrives through other people
Stress can blur the line between responsibility and control. A sponsor, counsellor, pastor, or trusted friend can help you see it.
The prayer is widely used in recovery communities. Respect the privacy and experience of people who share it there.
A prayer you can use
God, give me peace about what I cannot control.
Give me courage for the action, boundary, or repair that belongs to me.
Give me wisdom to know the difference and humility to ask for help.
Amen.
Bible passages to sit with
Sources for this guide
Library of Congress: Reinhold Niebuhr and the Serenity Prayer ↗Questions people ask
Who wrote the Serenity Prayer?
The prayer is credited to the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. The Library of Congress identifies him as its creator.
Is the Serenity Prayer only for recovery groups?
No. Recovery communities have made it widely known, but Christians use it in many difficult situations.
What is the Serenity Prayer?
It is a prayer for serenity about what cannot be changed, courage to change what can be changed, and wisdom to know the difference.
Is the Serenity Prayer in the Bible?
No. It is a modern Christian prayer rather than a Bible passage, though its themes agree with many biblical teachings about trust, wisdom, and faithful action.
What does 'the courage to change the things I can' mean?
It means taking responsibility for actions that are within your control, even when the wider situation cannot be fixed.
How can I use the Serenity Prayer each day?
Name one thing you cannot control, one action you can take, and the wisdom you need. Then take the smallest responsible step.