The Serenity Prayer originally invoked the Name of Jesus

There Are Different versions of the serenity prayer

Most people have probably heard of and or quoted some or all of what is known as The Serenity Prayer, which currently is as follows:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."

This has become a mantra since the 1950s for those who attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. It is also used in Narcotics Anonymous gatherings. Believers in Christ have been taught to pray in the Name of Jesus, and some have felt awkward saying this prayer that does not invoke His Name.

The Original Serenity prayer did use the name of the Savior in its original form because the Bible says Jesus is the Prince of Peace. In church circles, people say Know Jesus, Know Peace. No Jesus No peace. This prayer in differnt forms made it's way into video games, rap songs and rock music.

The author is unknown

The Serenity Prayer's origin is unknown but it is attributed to theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, who allegedly wrote it between the late 1930s and 1940s. Researchers suggest that Niebuhr penned this prayer as part of a sermon he would deliver. Elisabeth Sifton wrote a book published in 2003 titled "The Serenity Prayer," and she says the following is the original version.

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

A possible original version

The New York Times Book Review dated July 12, 1942. identifies the author of The Serenity Prayer as Reinhold Niebuhr and indicates that his original version was:

"O God and Heavenly Father, Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; the courage to change that which can be changed, and the wisdom to know the one from the other, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."

A popular prayer

I often quoted the familiar version of The Serenity Prayer and ended it in Jesus' Name, because this is the way I was encouraged to pray in the churches I attended. I was intrigued to learn that in its original form, Christ was already invoked.

The Serenity Prayer is very popular around the world and is even in a song by the 70s rock group Boston, titled Higher Power. The following are a portion of the lyrics.

Hey, my high power

The world is spinnin', but I'm not afraid

Yeah, give me the power It's the beginnin', the beginnin' of another day.YeahLet me hold you

Take me back into the secrets of my mind

Let me know you

Come and save me Lord

Don't let me cross the line. Hey, my high power

The world is spinnin', but I'm not afraid

Yeah, give me the power It's the beginnin', the beginnin' of another day.

Into the world of rap

Rapper 50 Cent used a portion of the prayer in his song Gotta Make it to Heaven.

Gotta Make It To Heaven. He says, "Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, but wisdom to know the difference.

In the gaming community, the prayer is quoted by one of the Blood Elves in World of Warcraft Burning Crusade quotes the Serenity prayer.

The Serenity Prayer asks for the ability to discern what can and cannot be changed. And the wisdom to know what we should and should not push for. This is invaluable.