Who wrote this “Prayer for Peace of Mind” (Serenity Prayer), researchers are still arguing, mentioning both the ancient Incas and Omar Khayyam. The most likely authors are the German theologian Carl Friedrich Oetinger and the American pastor, also of German origin, Reinhold Niebuhr.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
Lord, give me the peace of mind to accept what I can’t change
courage — to change what I can,
and wisdom is always to distinguish one from the other.
Translation options:
Courage to fight where I can make a difference
Patience — accept what I can’t handle
and a head on his shoulders — to distinguish one from the other.
As many memoirists point out, this prayer hung over the desk of US President John F. Kennedy. Since 1940, it has been used by Alcoholics Anonymous, which also contributed to its popularity.
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The Jew came to the rabbi in upset feelings:
– Rebbe, I have such problems, such problems, I can’t solve them in any way!
“I see a clear contradiction in your words,” the Rebbe said, “The Almighty created each of us and knows what we can do. If these are your problems, you can solve them. If you can’t do it, then it’s not your problem.
As well as the prayer of the Optina elders
Lord, give me peace of mind to meet everything that the coming day brings me. Let me completely surrender to Your holy will. For every hour of this day, instruct and support me in everything. Whatever news I receive during the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and firm conviction that everything is Thy holy will. In all my words and deeds guide my thoughts and feelings. In all unforeseen cases, do not let me forget that everything is sent down by You. Teach me to act directly and reasonably with each member of my family, without embarrassing or upsetting anyone. Lord, give me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events during the day. Guide my will and teach me to pray, believe, hope, endure, forgive and love. Amen.