We love this prayer.

It has been widely quoted and used, including by Hallmark cards and Alcoholics Anonymous. There is some fuss about its attribution, and about the “original” version. It is generally concluded that Reinhold Neibuhr (1892 – 1971) was the originator. Niebuhr was a well-known theologian, pastor, author, and seminary professor.

There are varying renditions, and longer adaptations. Here are two versions of the prayer; the first being the most commonly used and the second adapted from a book by Neibuhr’s daughter about the famous prayer.

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.

God, give me the grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, the courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.

Amen.

Ignore the fuss over the author and version. Pick one. Apply it to your life today.