Tough Times: Seeking Serenity amidst Global Strife…
“Just as the right hand comes to dress the wound on the left hand, we should see another person’s sorrows as our own and come to his or her aid.” Mātā Amritanandamayī Devī
Tough Times: Christchurch Basilica before the earthquake damage… pray for all
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Christchurch, New Zealand
The recent horrific earthquake in New Zealand, the Queensland Floods, political unrest across North Africa, and other areas of global concern and strife have left many reeling in despair and fear; so much pain, so much loss… As the shifting winds of change and instability rock our global community, we can offer a prayer, a kind word, assistance, comfort, and more to those in need around the world.
In times of strife, many turn to prayer and the Serenity Prayer is one to cherish and share with all. The Serenity Prayer offers comfort and eleven qualities or keywords (see below) that we can live by; reminding us that no matter our differences, our faith, our place of origin, goodwill, and prayer extends beyond the words into our everyday lives. Does this prayer resonate with You?
God, grant us the…
Serenity to accept things we cannot change,
Courage to change the things we can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference
Patience for the things that take time
Appreciation for all that we have, and
Tolerance for those with different struggles
Freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the
Ability to feel your Love for us and our love for each other and the
Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.
Here below is
The Full Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr
God grant me the serenityTo accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make things right
If I surrender to His Will;So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen.
Lately, when I read or watch the news, it seems like Mother Nature’s fury or man’s rage against humanity lays much to waste around the world. These are precarious times; the current upheavals call for sensitivity, compassionate care, our goodwill offers, and much wisdom. As some countries rebuild their infrastructure and others courageously walk towards a democratic process, let’s offer seeds of light, love, a comforting shoulder, and a prayer.
“Real prayer is wiping the tears of the distressed. If there is no shoulder for the sorrowful to lay their heads upon, it would be the greatest darkness.” Mātā Amritanandamayī Devī
Tough Times: Recreated Impending Tsunami…
Did you know this? While many have claimed authorship of this simple yet powerful prayer, it is attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr. Reinhold said in an interview that he did not publish the Serenity Prayer until 1951; however, he acknowledged that the prayer was delivered as part of an inspired sermon and had been disseminated in prayer circles as early as 1934. It is possible that others wrote down the prayer at the sermon and spread the word. Regardless of the genesis or journey of this special prayer, it remains a favorite of many 12 step programs, prayer groups, communities, and individuals who find solace in the words.
The Serenity Prayer is a beautiful supplication with eleven (11) qualities/keywords (God, Serenity, Courage, Wisdom, Patience, Appreciation, Tolerance, Freedom, Ability, Love and Strength) that we can claim and live by. My prayer is that we embrace the grace in the words, share its blessings with others, especially those in pain, and use them to guide us through our daily activities … There is much wisdom in the simplicity of this prayer and may all who read/need it, be comforted… Be of good cheer! This post was adapted from one of my previous posts. Do you have a prayer that you hold dear? Do Share.
Positive Motivation Tip: In times of strife, offer a prayer, your time, and a shoulder to lean on… 🙂
Related Articles
- A note for friends of Bill W. (timesunion.com)
- Power of Prayer? (compelled2write.wordpress.com)
- the wisdom to know the difference (moritherapy.org)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Photo of Christchurch Basilica in New Zealand by Gobeirne via Wikipedia & Photo of an Impending Tsunami via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Trackbacks
- Deadly Earthquake & Tsunami in Japan: In Our Prayers – On my Mind… | Mirth and Motivation
- Deadly Earthquake & Tsunami in Japan: In Our Prayers – On my Mind… | The Blog Farm - A Growing Blog Community
- Deadly Earthquake & Tsunami in Japan: In Our Prayers – On my Mind… | The Blog Farm - A Growing Blog Community
- Deadly Earthquake & Tsunami in Japan: In Our Prayers – On my Mind… | The Blog Farm
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Serenity | Mirth and Motivation
That is a beautiful prayer outlining valuable qualities. I don’t have a particular prayer, I just pray from the heart and say what’s in my heart.
So many terrible things are happening all over the world at this time and so many people are hurting bad; more than ever these people need our prayers and supplications.
Lots of prayer and everywhere… There are people and I see it and read it and hear it daily. The global shift is affecting all of us in small and large ways…
Thank you!
Eliz
Thank you for posting that prayer. I’ve memorized the first 3 parts of it over the years, but the rest of it seems even more powerful right now. It is a challenging time and my heart goes out to the quake victims and those many souls who lost so much in the floods. I know I can be the cock-eyed optimist at times, but I sense a powerful and positive change coming in the Middle East. The desire for Democracy is greater than any tyrant it seems. I pray for the safety of the brave young people who are demanding to be heard and wish them the peace they are striving for.
I’m going to re-tweet this.
Thanks for offering to re-tweet it Barb. There is a lot of turmoil going on and I’m optimistic that, in the long run, when the dust of change settles, all will be well. I remain hopeful….
Thank you!
Eliz
Chile, Haiti, New Zealand – we are never safe …
And the list grows daily and is endless… May peace prevail.
Thank you!
Eliz
Thank you for reminding me of this wonderfully powerful prayer. I have been feeling very overwhelmed at all that is happening in the world.
I’m glad that you like the prayer… Yes, all the world events have left me feeling a bit jarred too. I pray for calm and global harmony.
Thank you!
Eliz
What a lovely peaceful post. I’m going to re-read it every time the news comes on.
Thank you Jacqui… I do too. It has always been a great comforting resource for me.
Thank you!
Eliz
The Serenity Prayer has offered many comfort in times of chaos and pain.
With the global grief we see and read every day, there is greater need for it.
This is very helpful and a great blessing to all who read it.
I will re-read this lovely post too.
B
Thanks again, I’ve always loved the prayer, since I first got it in the early 1980s. There is something very soothing about it; a clarity and strength…
Thank you!
Eliz
Here’s another one I like:
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
~ Celtic Blessing
Thank you Nancy, that is a beautiful prayer… Thank you too all. I’m working hard to catch up on responses here and on life demands. I comment back on your blogs and will complete all my replies here soon. 🙂 Eliz
I love Celtic Prayers/Blessings and this one is very beautiful too!
Thank you!
Eliz
You’re right.. there’s been SO much unrest in the world, both with the Earth itself and its inhabitants… I’ve never heard of the Serenity Prayer before!
BTW, sorry I haven’t been responding as frequently the last week or so.. I’m catching up on all my blogging buddies.. mind is preoccupied with my impending move this weekend! 🙂
No worries, I am catching up too. Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you like the prayer. Best wishes on your move! 🙂 Eliz
Seeking Serenity amidst Global Strife… There is so much trouble in the world around us. As being one who is very optimistic, its difficult to stay aloat the postive side when witnessing all the issues at hand. I have to put these things in hands of the One-who created this world. He has a plan, its difficult to imagine good out of it all. But, I have to hold steadfast to His promises.
The Serenity Prayer, is beautiful, full of wisdom and direction.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful post.
We all do have to stay steady through the shifts and changes… It is a difficult time with potential for good so I remain hopeful. It is in the Creator’s hands. I agree.
Thank you!
Eliz
God, grant us the…
Serenity to accept things we cannot change,
Courage to change the things we can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference
Patience for the things that take time
Appreciation for all that we have, and
Tolerance for those with different struggles
Freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the
Ability to feel your Love for us and our love for each other and the
Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.
Yes this is beautiful and I will keep it. Thanks for visiting my blog (911 call)
I enjoyed the 911 call post and it was a great reminder of both the power of the human spirit and the grace of God… This prayer can add another dimension to the events in all of our lives.
Thank you!
Eliz