Pray for Serenity

   “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.”

   The Serenity Prayer has been around for a long time but when things are going well I think we tend to take peace and serenity for granted.  As troubles arise it can become difficult to remain calm and serene, so we again turn to this little prayer.

   We ask for the serenity to accept things that we cannot change.  We must realize that we are limited in the changes we can make.  Changing the hearts of those who refuse God’s word is beyond our capabilities.  Only God can change one’s heart.  When we offer them to God in prayer, we place them in the hands of the One who can effect the needed change.

   We ask for courage.   Standing up for God and His ways seems to be in short supply these days.  Many stand quietly by rather than risk upsetting others, they don’t want to “rock the boat”.  But we are to make change where we can.  The willingness to be bold in our faith is necessary.  We can make change by the example we present to others, and in the way we live our lives.

   We ask for wisdom to know the difference.  We need God’s guidance in discerning where we can best facilitate change.  In this way we can better focus our efforts where they will do the most good and at the same time save ourselves from disappointment and discouragement.

   In all things we need to trust that God really is in charge.  He created all and is the Lord of all.  Even in difficult times He is there.  He will give us the peace and serenity we seek, and in the end He will make all things right.

We want to help Lord.

We want to make needed change.

Show us how best to do so.

Teach us, lead us, strengthen us.

Amen