Serenity Prayer: The Power of Prayer in Therapy
One prayer we often reflect on in healing work is the Serenity Prayer because it teaches something many people struggle with every day: letting go.
Originally written by theologian Niebuhr, the Serenity Prayer became widely known through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and recovery communities because of its powerful message about surrender, acceptance, and personal responsibility.
“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.”
So many people are exhausted from trying to control everything:
Trying to control outcomes
Overthinking the future
Holding onto shame from the past
Trying to fix everyone around them
Using unhealthy coping skills to escape pain
Living in fear, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm
Fighting battles internally that they were never meant to carry alone
The Serenity Prayer reminds us that not everything is ours to carry.
You cannot control another person’s choices
You cannot heal through perfectionism
You cannot change the past
You cannot force healing overnight
You are allowed to slow down, surrender, and trust God
Acceptance does not mean giving up. It means releasing the constant internal battle.
Courage is choosing to work on the things you can change — your healing, your boundaries, your mindset, your habits, and your relationship with God.
This prayer is powerful because it helps people move from survival mode into peace, wisdom, and trust.
If you are interested in learning more about how faith and tools like the Serenity Prayer can support your healing journey, we would love to connect with you.
