Gratitude Day 262

Mon., Apr. 29, 2019

1 Corinthians 16:13 – Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

It’s the second most popular Christian prayer; right after the Lord’s Prayer. It’s the Serenity Prayer.

Written by psychologist-theologian Reinhold Niebuhr in 1943, the original version was longer. Most often, it is used in it’s shortened version. Here’s the longer original version:

God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

Niebuhr was a professor. He spoke against Nazism and the United States having a neutral position during World War 2. He also warned against communism.

The Serenity Prayer maybe most known for its use in the Alcoholics Anonymous organization. Traditionally, it is used to close every AA meeting.

This prayer can be used in more situations than this. My Mom had this plaque in her kitchen for years as a reminder that things will happen today that you cannot control. It is best to recognize quickly what you can control … and what you cannot.

As you go through today and come across situations, determine whether you can or cannot affect them. And the wisdom to know the difference. Most importantly, may you find peace in the process.

For daily wisdom from God, I am grateful.

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the Courage to change the things I can; and the Wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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