I went to a noon meeting today...See some friends I don't often see at my normal 8:00 am meeting and a newcomer there brought up the Serenity Prayer as a topic. It made for an interesting meeting...And was the first prayer I learned in rehab...As we weren't allowed to say the Lord's Prayer there as it was the rehab's policy. I got through my early sobriety saying that prayer as I worked the steps...Everytime I'd have the thought of a drink that prayer worked wonders for me.
That prayer is actually the opening of this longer untitled prayer...And it's not an AA prayer....Although it fits perfectly with the program...It was adobted by AA in 1951.... It has an interesting history...Which I'll post a link to. It also refers to "Living one day at a time"....Which when I got to AA was simply not drinking one day at a time for me.....Things I cannot change...I'm an alcoholic for one....Courage to change the things I can....My thinking.....I owe a lot to that prayer. So many ways to look at it... Curious what your thoughts are on the Serenity 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.
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; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.
Ahhh.. The serenity prayer (and cigarettes...) is the only thing that has kept me sane over the course of the past 54 days. First, and very simply, it has worked wonders for my own relationship with God, which up until very recently, has been fueled by anger on my part. Also, it's applicable to ANY situation in life. A girl I met during one of my very first meetings explained it to me very easily. I had called her complaining of anxiety and withdrawral symptoms I was experiencing. She really broke it down for me in terms of using it line by line in regards to any situation I encounter. I use it constantly, from sobriety issues to annoying coworkers, or hassles like missing the bus.I like that you included the long version of the prayer and will definetly research it further via that link you've provided:)
I'm curious, what was the newcomers comment at your meeting that started this discussion all about?
He was new and he didn't understand it...The condition I was in when I got to AA...I didn't either. I guess we are powerless over people, places and things...Things we can't change....Feelings aren't facts. Feelings we can change...There are a lot of ways to look at that prayer....You'd think it was written for AA.
Amen to that...you would, wouldn't you think it was written for AA. Where in the world did my post go that you're responding to? I was going to comment on it, and it's gone. Oh well...perfect example of accepting serenity for the things I cannot change..LOL.
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~Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will~
Ive actually seen this longer version used in some online meetings in other sites. Im not sure where it originated from but in all the real life meetings Ive only known the short version to be said.
Where in the world did my post go that you're responding to? I was going to comment on it, and it's gone. Oh well...perfect example of accepting serenity for the things I cannot change..LOL.
That's a real good question.....What did happpen to your post?...I don't have the wisdom to tell you that.
The Serenity Prayer saved my butt ... ... ... Don't think I'd have made it my 1st year without it ... Like Colleen said, this prayer, and cigarettes, saved my rear end in hundreds of situations ...
And NOW, by the grace of God, I've not had a cigarette in almost 3 months ... (Colleen ... don't even try to stop smoking for the 1st year sober ... ... ... after that, give it a shot if you wish, just not before ...) ... (trust me)
Pappy
Yeah, it saved my Butt as well Pappy, even though yours is probably bigger. Our noon meeting on Saturday read a passage from the A.A. book living sober on that very topic, the serenity prayer. If I recall, the passage emphasized a greater awareness for both acceptance and courage, something the serenity prayer is famous for. So I'll focus on both, and then pray for "the wisdom to know the difference". The rest from there, I'll leave up to God. Thanks again.
-- Edited by Mr_David on Tuesday 10th of July 2012 01:53:12 AM
The Serenity Prayer saved my butt ... ... ... Don't think I'd have made it my 1st year without it ... Like Colleen said, this prayer, and cigarettes, saved my rear end in hundreds of situations ...
And NOW, by the grace of God, I've not had a cigarette in almost 3 months ... (Colleen ... don't even try to stop smoking for the 1st year sober ... ... ... after that, give it a shot if you wish, just not before ...) ... (trust me)
Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Apparently I bite my lip when I say the Serenity Prayer in my head before I blurt out the first (and often, wrong) thing that wants to come out of my mouth when my husband and I are in a conversation and don't see eye to eye. I know this, because he'll tell me, "You're biting your lip again". In reality I am trying to focus on the only thing I can change, myself, my attitude and my actions. I have learned to let go of the notion that I can change him or his attitude or actions. Funny thing, since I've been able to make that change, our relationship has improved. Go figure. Like others have said, the Serenity Prayer has saved my butt during my infancy of sobriety. I imagine it will continue to do so, as long as I can focus on myself as the only thing I have the power to change. Thanks for the topic. Peace
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I asked God for all things that I may enjoy life. He gave me life so that I may enjoy all things.
Haha.. Does anybody remember the "Seinfeld" episode where George's father is trying to find serenity and live a more peaceful existence?? Don't remember the particulars but it involves some kind of program that involves asking for serenity whenever you feel upset or angry.. By the end of show his dad is screaming in a rage "SERNITY NOW!!!!!". Lmao I feel like that often..but it always makes me laugh
Also pappy, I can only imagine what a psycho I would be if I attempted to give up smokes right now lol.. I wouldn't do it to the people around me or the world at large. Man, I'm already nuts enough haha
Mr. David, ... ... ... You DO realize we are discussing the prayer??? ... Right???
We're NOT talking about the box of Serenity diapers on sale down at Walgreens !!! ... (Although, ... ... hummmm ... ... ... that kind of serenity wouldn't be a bad idea at times!!!)
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Mr. David, ... ... ... You DO realize we are discussing the prayer??? ... Right???
We're NOT talking about the box of Serenity diapers on sale down at Walgreens !!! ... (Although, ... ... hummmm ... ... ... that kind of serenity wouldn't be a bad idea at times!!!)
Diapers...for me? Really Pappy, you should buy your own. I don't like the serenity kind myself, but for you, maybe. I'm still looking for my glasses, though, lost them again. You don't happen to know where they may be, do you Pappy? Be nice...No, there not in the freezer next to the empty ice cream container, okay. Give them back to me...
That prayer is quite literally a mantra for my day. It's amazing the power, beauty, strength and hope that is found in those few words. Truly sent from God.
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I think there's an invisible principle of living...if we believe we're guided through every step of our lives, we are. Its a lovely sight, watching it work.
Well looky here Mr David, ... ... ... your glasses are right where you left them ... ... on the sink, beside the big dirty bowl ... ??? What's this, it looks like the bowl was licked clean ... glasses got in the way ??? ... the bowl must have been full of Ben & Jerry's ... LOL
Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
That prayer is quite literally a mantra for my day. It's amazing the power, beauty, strength and hope that is found in those few words. Truly sent from God.
Well looky here Mr David, ... ... ... your glasses are right where you left them ... ... on the sink, beside the big dirty bowl ... ??? What's this, it looks like the bowl was licked clean ... glasses got in the way ??? ... the bowl must have been full of Ben & Jerry's ... LOL
Pappy
Guess what...I found them again. Where? In the bread drawer of all places. What's up with that. Now, if I can only find my brain. Be nice Pappy...
Well looky here Mr David, ... ... ... your glasses are right where you left them ... ... on the sink, beside the big dirty bowl ... ??? What's this, it looks like the bowl was licked clean ... glasses got in the way ??? ... the bowl must have been full of Ben & Jerry's ... LOL
Pappy
Guess what...I found them again. Where? In the bread drawer of all places. What's up with that. Now, if I can only find my brain. Be nice Pappy...
Why do you insist on giving me a great 'lead-in' ??? ...
Now I think we must be 'long lost twins' Mr. David ... Remember? ... In one post, I said I had only 2 brain cells left ... yesterday one ran off ... and today, the one that was left, took off to go find the 1st one ...
(I just hope I didn't mistake one for a 'chip' or something ... I may have ate it ...)
Aaaaah, senior moments, ... ain't they great???
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
In reality I am trying to focus on the only thing I can change, myself, my attitude and my actions. I have learned to let go of the notion that I can change him or his attitude or actions. Funny thing, since I've been able to make that change, our relationship has improved. Go figure.