Accepting Quote by Reinhold Niebuhr
“God, give us 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. This prayer was first printed in a monthly bulletin of the Federal Council of Churches and has become enormously popular. It has been circulated in millions of copies.”
About This Quote
Source Prayer: Serenity Prayer, originally published in Federal Council of Churches bulletin, early 20th century
A request for divine help to accept unchangeable circumstances, act on changeable ones, and gain discernment between them.
In simple terms: Ask for acceptance, courage, and wisdom.
Key Takeaway
Seek balance between acceptance and action.
Themes
acceptance
courage
wisdom
discernment
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
spiritual
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- grief counseling
- decision making
- stress management
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What situations require acceptance versus action?
- How can you develop discernment?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the role of personal agency in change.
