Modified Serenity Prayer
2024/06/01 12:00 AM Filed in:
Empowerment | Discernment
The Serenity Prayer
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. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next. Amen. (prayer attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr, 1892-1971)
The Serenity Prayer - Short
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.
My Modification to the short version of the Serenity Prayer
“I seek discernment to know what I can improve, the wisdom to know where to place my efforts, and the peace to accept what time does not allow me to change.”
Modern Adaptation: Key Modifications and Their Importance
1. "I seek discernment to know what I can improve" vs "God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change"
The word "discernment" emphasizes a mindful and deliberate process of understanding. In a world overflowing with information and choices, discernment is crucial for identifying areas in our lives that are within our control and worth improving. This shift from a passive request for courage to an active pursuit of understanding underscores the importance of personal responsibility and continuous self-evaluation.
2. "The wisdom to know where to place my efforts" vs "The Courage to change the things I can"
Wisdom, in this context, highlights the necessity of strategic thinking. Modern life demands a careful allocation of our time and energy. By seeking wisdom in where to focus our efforts, we acknowledge that not all actions are equally impactful. This change reflects a more nuanced approach to personal development, one that prioritizes effective and meaningful engagement over mere activity.
3. "The peace to accept what time does not allow me to change" vs "The wisdom to know the difference."
The original prayer's emphasis on accepting what cannot be changed is preserved but refined to acknowledge the constraints of time. In today's fast-paced world, it is often the lack of time that limits our ability to effect change, rather than an inherent immutability. This modification encourages a pragmatic acceptance of our limitations while fostering a sense of peace that comes from doing our best within the time we have.
The Significance of These Modifications
These modifications are not merely linguistic updates; they reflect a deeper understanding of the challenges we face today.
- Personal Empowerment: By focusing on discernment and wisdom, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions and take proactive steps toward improvement. This shift from a passive request to an active pursuit aligns with my values of self-efficacy and personal growth.
- Strategic Action: Understanding where to place our efforts ensures that our actions are purposeful and impactful. In a society that often glorifies busyness, this emphasis on strategic action helps us avoid burnout and achieve more meaningful outcomes.
- Peaceful Acceptance: Acknowledging the role of time in our limitations fosters a realistic and compassionate approach to self-expectations. It allows us to focus on what we can achieve without being overwhelmed by what we cannot.
Conclusion
This adaptation of the Serenity Prayer—“I seek discernment to know what I can improve, the wisdom to know where to place my efforts, and the peace to accept what time does not allow me to change”—offers a practical guide for navigating the complexities of life. By embracing these modifications, I honor the timeless wisdom of the original prayer while adapting it to better align with values of proactivity needs for discernment, strategic action, and peaceful acceptance that there are time constraints and that we can influence just about anything with enough time and energy.