At Celebrate Recovery, we end each session by praying the Serenity Prayer together. The prayer is almost 100 years old, and is attributed to theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, who used it in sermons and in prayers.
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.
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.
For this discussion, I thought we would work our way through this prayer together.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What does it mean for God’s peace (serenity) to guard our hearts, even when circumstances don’t change?
What’s one situation in your life right now that you need to accept? What does this acceptance mean?
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Why do we resist or fight rather than accept?
How does trusting God with all our heart help us accept what is beyond our control?
Courage to change the things I can
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
What does Godly courage look like in daily life?
What about in your personal circumstances? Where is God calling you to take action rather than remain passive?
James 1:22 (NLT)
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
How does being a “doer of the Word” tie into the courage to change?
Have you experienced a time of taking a small step of obedience that ended up leading to a big breakthrough? (someone should share about this right now)
wisdom to know the difference
James 1:5 (NLT)
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
How do we receive wisdom from God when we’re unsure about whether to accept or change something?
What practical ways help you discern God’s leading in tough situations?
Living one day at a time
Matthew 6:34 (NLT)
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Why does Jesus call us to focus on today instead of being consumed by tomorrow?
How can living one day at a time free someone from anxiety or regret?
Enjoying one moment at a time
Psalm 118:24 (NLT)
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
How can practicing gratitude bring joy into your ordinary moments?
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace
Romans 5:3–5 (NLT)
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
How does suffering produce endurance, character, and hope?
What hardships have shaped your faith in positive ways?
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is
John 16:33 (NLT)
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Jesus promises trouble but also victory. How can this help us live with purpose?
What does it mean to realistically face the brokenness of the world without losing hope?
Trusting that God will make all things right
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
How can trusting God’s plan help us release control?
Have you ever seen God work something out better than you could have planned?
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
Philippians 4:11–13 (NLT)
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
How can contentment, even in difficult circumstances, be a form of happiness?
what is the difference between worldly happiness and Biblical contentment?
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Revelation 21:3–4 (NLT)
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
How does the promise of eternal life reshape our perspective on present struggles?
How can keeping eternity in mind fuel living with purpose today?