Prayer · Allgemein · gemischt

Serenity Prayer

Original Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Amen.

Context (Old Covenant)

Reinhold Niebuhr (20th century). Modern, accepted across denominations; not biblically grounded in a strict sense, but no Old Covenant problems either.

What it teaches

Discernment; courage; wisdom; responsibility.

Realization in the New Covenant

The Serenity Prayer (Reinhold Niebuhr, 20th century) is not a biblical prayer, but compatible with the New Covenant:

  • ›Serenity and wisdom are fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22)
  • ›In the New Covenant you receive wisdom generously (Jas 1:5)
  • ›Courage comes not from your own strength, but from the Spirit (2Tim 1:7)
  • ›The difference: Instead of "God, GIVE me" you say: "Thank you, I RECEIVE"

Prayer in the New Covenant

Father, thank you for your peace in me. I receive wisdom to discern what I should change and what I accept. I act from your strength and your Spirit, not from pressure or fear. Amen.
Share