The Power of the Serenity Prayer in AA

The Serenity Prayer has become an integral part of the spirituality of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), resonating deeply with its Twelve Steps. This powerful prayer is often heard in most every AA meeting and serves as a guiding force for members seeking sobriety and sanity. In fact, AA's enthusiasm for this prayer has been unwavering since its discovery.

At its core, the Serenity Prayer is a path to serenity, reminding us that some things are beyond our control. This profound wisdom is encapsulated in the words: 'God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change.' These simple yet powerful words have brought solace and comfort to countless individuals struggling with addiction.

The full Serenity Prayer reads:

'Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

Oh, divine Master,

grant that I may not seek to be consoled as those who have no peace,

but console others with your peace.

I offer this, our morning prayer,

to all my brothers and sisters, to those who are dear to me,

and to those whom I have wronged.

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life.'

The Serenity Prayer is more than just a beautiful piece of poetry; it's a call to action. It encourages us to surrender our fears and accept the things we cannot change, thereby finding inner peace and serenity.

In the context of AA, the Serenity Prayer serves as a focal point for the organization's core teachings on surrender and acceptance. Its message is one of hope and redemption, reminding us that even in the midst of hardship, we can find peace and tranquility through faith and acceptance.

As we reflect on the Serenity Prayer, we are reminded of its profound impact on our lives. By embracing this prayer as a guiding force, we can transform common hardships into a calming surrender, finding serenity and peace along the way.

Serenity prayer printables