Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Serenity Prayer

Most of us have heard the Serenity Prayer in some form. It was written by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971). Niebuhr wrote variations of the prayer for sermons in his protestant church. It was later adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1948.

I find the prayer keeps me balanced and realistic about the control I do and do not have over life situations.

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Serenity Prayer
(Original form attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr)

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

Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time,
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it,
trusting that you will make all things right,
if I surrender to your will,
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
and supremely happy with you forever in the next.

Amen

Photo by Mary K. Doyle
Chicago Botanic Garden

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Responses to “Serenity Prayer”

  1. Escribir Y Sanar

    Amen 🙏 thank you for sharing 💕

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to read and commment.

      Reply
  2. kagould17

    A good prayer for the times and a good way to live Mary. Thanks for sharing. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes. I am praying this prayer repeatedly today, Allan. Hugs.

      Reply
  3. luisa zambrotta

    It’s a wonderful prayer that I always keep well imprinted in my mind.🙏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is an important prayer, Luisa. Thank you for commenting, my friend.

      Reply
      1. luisa zambrotta

        You are truly welcome, dear Mary ❣️❣️❣️
        It was my pleasure

        Reply
  4. The Introverted Bookworm

    Excellent advice! There’s a lot of wisdom in those simple words! 😊🌸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for reading and commenting, Ada. Have a lovely day.

      Reply
  5. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Amen! 🙏
    Thanks for sharing, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And thank you for commenting, T’.

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        It’s always my pleasure, Mary! 🙂

        Reply
  6. Looking for the Light

    Wise words

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Melinda.

      Reply
  7. hubertprevy

    Amen 🙏

    Reply
  8. Susana Cabaço

    I love this prayer, Mary, and use it quite often. It calms the inner and outer storms, assisting us to surrender to higher power and grace. Precious, it is! Thanks for sharing. I was only aware of the first part, not the full version as you posted here. Lots of light and blessings to you, today and always 🙏 🌟

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Susana. I appreciate you adding to this conversation. We need the light, to be in the light, and everything that helps us remain there. Love to you.

      Reply
  9. Destiny

    amen…thank you for sharing, Mary. 🙏🙏🙏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for chiming in, Destiny.

      Reply
      1. Destiny

        truly a pleasure…🤍🌷

        Reply
  10. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Amen.

    Reply
  11. Dawna

    This is beautiful. Thank you Mary for getting me into a mellow mindset with the serenity prayer.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is a good reminder for me to not get crazy about things I have no control over.

      Reply
      1. Dawna

        I think I need to re read it several times since I feel like I had the rug pulled out from under me today and I’ve been spiraling. UGH. Thank goodness for my dear neighbor friend. She told me to come home tonight and write. I spent a couple hours with her this evening after my little walk. I am so grateful for my family, friends and for all the wonderful things I have. I am grateful for you too. Hugs to you .

        Reply
  12. Tony

    Très joli post Mary. Ça fait du bien, car ici tout est gris.
    ⚘🌌⚛🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Merci, Tony. Portez-vous bien et heureux, mon ami.

      Reply
  13. philsblog01

    Thanks Mary. Great advice I have seen (the original) many time before. Never knew where it came from. I thought it probably came from the Bible. Now I know!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Phil. I appreciate your comment and thoughts on this prayer. Take care, my friend.

      Reply
  14. Cindy Georgakas

    I always love this prayer read so wonderfully by you, Mary. I haven’t heart this version. hugs and love💕

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      This is a little different version, but I like it, don’t you, Cindy? I appreciate you commenting.

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas

        I truly do! My pleasure, Mary!!!
        ❤️

        Reply
  15. Nancy Homlitas

    Indeed, this is a beautiful prayer. Thank you for sharing its history, Mary. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are welcome, Nancy. Prayers such as this one helps us in our daily struggles, don’t they?

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        Yes, prayers are the connection to our awesome God.

        Reply
  16. joannerambling

    I have always liked the poem

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s powerful, isn’t it, Joan?

      Reply
  17. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Beautiful words.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for taking the time to comment, Dorothy. Sending you extra love today.

      Reply
      1. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

        Back to you my dear friend!

        Reply
  18. Ernie ‘Dawg’

    This is a great post Mary. I have always liked this prayer/poem but didn’t know much about it. You have enlightened me. Thank you

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ernie. We get worked up about things we can’t do anything about. I first learned about this prayer from my brother who learned it decades ago in AA. He found peace in praying it, and since then I do to. Be happy, my friend.

      Reply
  19. arlene

    I’ve memorized the first few lines by heart a few years ago. Thanks for sharing Mary.😍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Me too, Arlene! It helps me to deal with things I have no ability to do anything about. Be well and happy, my friend.

      Reply
      1. arlene

        Likewise Mary, thanks!😍

        Reply
  20. restlessjo

    Amen to that, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jo. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  21. johnlmalone

    such a beautiful prayer; such a beautiful state —

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, John. All the best to you.

      Reply
  22. P. J. Gudka

    This is such a touching prayer. Regardless of ones beliefs, I think this prayer is one that many need to hear.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re right, Pooja. It’s a prayer we can all say to keep us from getting frustrated with an ever-changing and always challenging world. Thank you for chiming in, my friend.

      Reply
  23. myallaboutyou

    Beautiful prayer.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is a beautiful prayer, one that can help us in our daily life. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

      Reply
      1. myallaboutyou

        I agree. Helps keep us focused

        Reply
  24. Michele Lee

    Thank you for sharing your voice and compassion for others. The soothing prayer is greatly appreciated, Mary. 🙏🏻

    P.S. Coincidentally, your beautiful photo looks like one I am going to share soon regarding your book. ✨

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m excited. Thank you, Michele. I appreciate you.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        You’re very welcome and I appreciate you, too. 🙏🏻

        Reply
  25. Garden Bliss

    This is such a beautiful prayer, Mary – thank you for reminding me.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, Flavia. Hugs.

      Reply
  26. Lamittan Felix

    Amen. Quite peaceful, liberating and comforting, my friend. I love it 😍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That makes me happy, Lamittan. Wishing you a perfect day.

      Reply
      1. Lamittan Felix

        Glad. Wishing you a whale of a time, too.

        Reply
  27. Edward Ortiz

    I love this prayer, Mary. Thank you for sharing it, and I’m going to write it down in my journal.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Good to hear that, Edward. There is much we have no control over and if we dwell on it, we will make ourselves sick and miserable.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        Yes, indeed.

        Reply
  28. Indira

    Good sharing, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Indira. I appreciate you.

      Reply
  29. gustavo_horta

    Amor, compaixão, solidariedade.
    Felicidade. Sempre.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      O mesmo para você, meu amigo.

      Reply
  30. Mindful Mystic (MM)

    This poem always resonates. Great share, Mary. 🙏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s a prayer we can pray every day. I appreciate you commenting, MM.

      Reply
  31. mistermaxxx08

    Appreciate you and you sharing, you touch so many lives

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my dear friend.

      Reply
      1. mistermaxxx08

        You know you are appreciated and a warm soul

        Reply
  32. noga noga

    Good morning and lasting happiness, Mary. Well done for posting. Good luck and have a nice day 💞🙏🏼

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Nougat.

      Reply
  33. Amy

    Thank you so much for this post, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, Amy.

      Reply
  34. Stephanie

    Timely, so timely. ❤

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Stephanie. Have a great day.

      Reply
  35. Awakening Wonders

    Pearls of wisdom – thank you, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Amy. Have a fabulous evening.

      Reply
  36. Hazel

    I always recite the serenity prayer in the morning. It’s one of my guides. Thanks for this beautiful writing, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s is wonderful to hear, Hazel. Always the best to you.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        Thank you so much, Mary. All the best.

        Reply
  37. Kym Gordon Moore

    Always loved The Serenity Prayer Mary. 🙏🏼 Loved, loved, loved your recitation. So tranquil and soothing! Much love my friend. 🥰💖😘

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you my cheerleader and friend! Love you!

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        You’re so very welcome as always my dear Mary! Love you more! 😘💋🥰

        Reply
  38. Laura

    One of my favorite prayers ever ❤️ still have the one from my grandmother hanging in my kitchen 🙏 thank you, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s great, Laura. I hope it offers you peace when you need it.

      Reply
  39. Enoble Asuquo

    Your voice, wow ❤️
    Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for that awesome complement, Enoble. You made me very happy. Thank you for taking the time to read, comment, and listen!

      Reply
  40. Lori Pohlman

    I never realized how beautiful the prayer was in its original form. Thank you, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I also like the original form, Lori. Both are wonderful but don’t you think the original is more poetic?

      Reply
  41. Anonymous

    Yes 💞

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, indeed.

      Reply
  42. Willie Torres Jr.

    Amen 🙏🏼🤗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Willie.

      Reply
  43. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    You have such a beautiful speaking voice.. do you do this professionally?

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kimberly. I don’t do this professionally, and a few years ago, I wasn’t able to speak without coughing after a medical event. I went through years of speech therapy and didn’t think I’d ever be able to say much. Your comment means a lot to me.

      Reply
  44. jeanvivace

    A touching prayer especially when listened to it.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jean. Alcoholics Anonymous members pray this prayer every day.

      Reply

I’m curious about your thoughts and comments.