The words of this prayer are attributed to the 20th century theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr. This prayer has been framed and hung on the walls of many homes and appears to be especially apropos for today’s culture.
In a nation where the voting populous seems to be split down the center, the ability for Bible believing Christians to leave things which they cannot change in the hands of God appears to be harder and harder to do. No matter what side of the political divide you may be on, until the next election, the most effectual work you can do is to pray. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2: 1, 2).
But it also important that Bible believing Christians be willing to share the gospel. It is only when folks’ hearts and lives are changed into His image that we will see a change to the present culture of this nation. However, sharing the gospel requires courage, courage that Bible believing Christians cannot and will not find within themselves. This courage will only come from prayer and reliance on Christ. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident” (Psalm 27: 1-3). When we present the countercultural gospel of Jesus Christ in a world that calls good evil and evil good, we need courage.
We also need wisdom, that which only comes from the fear of the Lord (Pro. 9:10). We have enough of worldly wisdom. We need wisdom that is led and guided by the Holy Spirit. This wisdom will help us to know when to speak up and when to keep our mouths shut. Wisdom that will help us distinguish between casting the pearls of God’s words to those who will trample it under their feet and those who will receive it – and possibly lead to a presentation of the saving grace of Jesus – and wisdom to know the difference.
Finally, we need serenity — that peace of mind that only comes with a quiet trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. That way we know our hope is neither in man and nor in what man can do, but in the blessed Hope and “…the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ…” who gave us a peace that surpass all understanding. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).
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.
