The Serenity Prayer In The Bible
The Serenity prayer is a popular 12-step prayer that’s often recited during Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, but did you know that it actually has its roots in Christianity? The Serenity Prayer was first published by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr in the 1930s, and though it’s become closely associated with AA groups, it has meaning for anyone who struggles with addiction or mental illness.
In this post we’ll explore the history of this popular phrase and how it became so prevalent in modern recovery programs. We’ll also talk about why this prayer works so well for those seeking help from their addictions.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- And there is no creature hidden from His sight; but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:12).
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
One of the problems in your life is that you have a hard time accepting that God loves and accepts you. You think there must be something wrong with you and so, therefore, He doesn’t love you. But that’s not true at all! God wants to give grace—or undeserved favor—to His people.
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE” (James 4:6).
He does not give grace to those who are proud or arrogant but gives grace only to those who humble themselves before Him in prayer and worship (1 Peter 5:6).
Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
The Bible tells us to be humble.
Humility is not the same as shame, though it certainly can lead to that feeling. In fact, humility is a virtue that leads to being exalted by God. It is a way of life where we don’t need praise from others and we accept our shortcomings as part of who we are and not something we should hide or cover up with false pride or arrogance.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
The Serenity Prayer is a short prayer that many people use to help them stop worrying. The words were written by Reinhold Niebuhr, an American theologian.
It begins with a request for God’s guidance in our lives, and then asks for the wisdom to accept what we cannot change and the courage to change what we can. Lastly, it ends with a plea for serenity “in the midst of life’s trials,” which allows us to accept those things beyond our control and find peace within ourselves regardless of how difficult our circumstances may be.
The Bible contains many examples where Jesus Christ used some form of this principle: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) give examples of selflessness in action; Paul told Timothy that he should “be an example [of] good deeds” (1 Timothy 4:12); 1 John 2:15 says “Don’t love yourself more than you love your brother or sister.”
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say “I am rich” and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked (Revelation 3:14-17)
This concludes our lesson on how to use The Serenity Prayer in everyday life! Now go forth with your newfound knowledge and apply it to your own lives!
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Jesus’ commandment to love one another
In the gospel of John, Jesus explains this new commandment in these words: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if they see the love [with] which you have loved one another.”
Our Lord invites us to imitate His own kind of love – self-sacrificing and unconditional – toward others. And He tells us it will be a mark of our discipleship if we do so.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The Serenity Prayer was written by Reinhold Niebuhr, who was an American theologian, ethicist, and social commentator. He is also known for his Christian realism movement. The prayer itself was created with the intention of helping people to overcome addiction and negative thinking.
The prayer reads: “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.”
It’s not just for alcoholics
The Serenity Prayer has been used by many to help them get a more calm perspective on their lives, and this is especially helpful for people who suffer from anxiety or depression. Not only can it help you take better care of yourself, but it can also help you feel more at peace with others. The prayer helps us focus on what’s important in life and put our worries into perspective so we can live life to its fullest potential without letting our problems get in the way.
So if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, I really encourage you to try using this prayer as a way of getting through it! It may not work for everyone (medication can be helpful too), but I think that if we all took time out each day just to sit quietly and reflect on what makes us truly happy—whether it’s being alone with our thoughts or spending time with others—we would all be happier overall.
The Serenity Prayer is a powerful tool for anyone to use. It provides a space for self-examination and reflection, and can help us find peace in even the most stressful situations. I hope this article has given you some insight into how it works, as well as some ideas about how to incorporate it into your own life.