The Serenity Prayer has long been a guiding light for many during times of struggle, myself included. It is a simple but profound prayer, its words holding deep truth that cuts through the noise as its theorems invite us into a space of acceptance, action, and discernment.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
The Serenity Prayer
As we’ve discussed on my blog recently, learning to let go and let God is a lifelong journey. For me, the Serenity Prayer continues to serve as a spiritual compass helping me navigate the complexities of my daily walk with God.
I believe that accepting the things we cannot change is one of life’s hardest lessons. Personally, I’ve wrestled with this in every aspect of my life—be it personal challenges, creative pursuits, ministry work, or in my recovery from addiction (more than 29 years clean and sober). I frequently find myself trying to control every detail, wanting to solve every problem and anticipate every obstacle. Yet, the first line of the Serenity Prayer calls me to pause.
Pause.
It asks me to recognize that not everything is in my control. In fact, some things simply aren’t meant to be controlled, and if so, certainly not by me. I am not the answer to every question.
For clarity, I want to confirm that acceptance doesn’t equal passivity; it means learning to release my grip on the outcomes I can’t (and shouldn’t) influence. When I release my need to “fix” everything, a weight lifts, making room for a sense of peace—even if all the questions aren’t answered and every problem isn’t solved. In those moments, God’s presence reminds me I’m not meant to carry everything. This is SO difficult for me.
The part of the Serenity Prayer that resonates most deeply with me as someone who values practical action and problem-solving is finding the courage to change the things I can. Demonstrating the courage to change is about stepping forward with intention, making choices that align with who I am and what I believe, and trusting that my efforts matter.
Yes, what I do matters.
Whether in my creative projects or in advocating for others, having the courage to take action and make a difference is essential. But this is not for the faint of heart. No—it requires bravery—especially when the work is challenging or the road unclear—which is often the case. Courage is about moving forward with faith, even when I don’t know exactly how things will turn out—which, again, is often the case. Just do it.
Last but not least, the final stanza—wisdom to know the difference—brings it all together. Wisdom is a grounding force. It gives me the discernment to know when to act and when to let go. Naturally, this often involves prayer and reflection, asking God to reveal what’s mine to do and what I need to release. Again—easier said than done.
Wisdom is helpful because it keeps me from wasting energy on battles I can’t win and helps me focus on what I’m genuinely called to pursue. It’s a quiet reminder to listen, to be still, and to trust that God is at work—even if I can’t see the whole picture. It allows me to focus on what truly matters.
During moments of doubt, I frequently return to these three lines. They’re like stepping stones helping me discover the balance between control and surrender; action and rest.
The Serenity Prayer is more than a simple reminder to let go and let God; it is a roadmap for how to live out that trust, day by day. It’s about coming to terms with the fact that I don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes the most faithful act is to just let things be, knowing that I’m faithfully being held by a power greater than myself. It’s my higher power’s job to know. It’s God’s to know; not mine.
If you’re in a season where letting go feels like an uphill battle, know that you are not alone. The Serenity Prayer invites us all to trust in God’s wisdom, to release our burdens, and to discover courage for the journey ahead.
Until my next post…
God bless America.
Grace and peace,
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
#JesusStrong
The Devotional Guy™ 