Have you ever heard the Serenity Prayer and wondered, “Is that really in the Bible?” You’re not alone. Millions recite it daily at meetings, in quiet moments, or when life just feels too heavy. The words bring peace. They offer hope. But are they scriptural?
Now find where the Serenity Prayer comes from, what parts echo Bible verses, and how its message fits into a Christian life rooted in Scripture.
First, What Is the Serenity Prayer?
Here’s the most commonly quoted version of the prayer:
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.
Simple. Honest. Powerful.
Some versions add more lines used by theologians or recovery groups but this three-line prayer is the heart of it.
But here’s the twist: the Serenity Prayer isn’t found word-for-word in the Bible.
Yes, you read that right. It’s not a direct Bible verse.
So… Is the Serenity Prayer From the Bible?
No, the Serenity Prayer does not appear anywhere in Scripture as a full, single passage.
It was written in the 20th century by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr an American Protestant who likely never imagined it would become one of the most quoted prayers in modern history.
But even though it’s not in the Bible word-for-word, its message absolutely echoes biblical truth.
The Serenity Prayer Line by Line And Where the Bible Speaks Similarly
1. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change”
Serenity means peace a deep calm even in the face of chaos.
While the Bible doesn’t use the word serenity often, the idea of peace shows up again and again.
Psalm 29:11 (Often Confused With the Prayer):
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
Many people think this is the Serenity Prayer in Psalms. It’s not, but it does express the same heart peace that comes from God.
Other verses that reflect this part:
Philippians 4:6–7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer… present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts.”
Isaiah 26:3:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
This is the kind of serenity the prayer longs for not numbness, but soul-deep calm.
2. “Courage to change the things I can”
This part speaks to the responsibility and bravery we’re called to have as believers.
The Bible speaks often of courage not reckless boldness, but faith-rooted strength to act when it matters.
Joshua 1:9:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
2 Timothy 1:7:
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Proverbs 28:1:
“The righteous are bold as a lion.”
So yes the Bible encourages us to step up and act in faith when we can.
3. “And wisdom to know the difference”
This line? It may be the hardest.
Discernment knowing when to act and when to wait is something we all struggle with. But Scripture is full of calls to seek wisdom.
James 1:5:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
Proverbs 3:5–6:
“Trust in the Lord… lean not on your own understanding… and he will make your paths straight.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Wisdom is about timing. It’s about listening. And it’s about trusting that God knows more than we do.
So Where Is Serenity in the Bible?
Even if the word serenity doesn’t show up often, its essence does.
In the New King James Version, the word “serenity” isn’t used. But the concept of peace especially inner, God-given peace is everywhere.
Let’s highlight a few examples:
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
Galatians 5:22–23
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…”
Peace isn’t just a wish it’s a gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Full Serenity Prayer (Extended Version)
You might hear this version at support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). Here’s the full text written by Niebuhr:
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.
The second half, especially the part about accepting hardship and trusting God’s will, strongly echoes Romans 8:28 and Matthew 6:34.
Why the Serenity Prayer Still Matters Even If It’s Not in the Bible
Some people get stuck on the fact that it’s not a direct Bible quote. That’s understandable. But here’s the thing:
A prayer doesn’t have to be quoted from Scripture to be biblical in spirit.
The Serenity Prayer reflects a life that is:
Peaceful (Psalm 29:11)
Courageous (Joshua 1:9)
Wise (James 1:5)
Surrendered to God (Romans 12:1–2)
It invites us into the same posture Jesus modeled in Gethsemane:
“Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Common Misunderstandings About the Serenity Prayer
Now be it clear with few things up.
“Is it in Psalm 29:11?”
Nope. That verse talks about peace, but it isn’t the prayer. Still, the message overlaps.
“Did Jesus say it?”
No. But His teachings absolutely inspired it. Especially His words about not worrying (Matthew 6:25–34) and trusting God’s will.
“Is the Serenity Prayer a Catholic prayer?”
It’s not tied to any one denomination. Catholics, Protestants, and even people outside Christian faiths use it for comfort and reflection.
How to Use the Serenity Prayer in Your Life
You don’t need a perfect setting. You just need a willing heart. Here are a few ways I’ve found it helpful:
In anxiety: When life spins fast, I whisper it to slow my heart.
In decisions: When I feel stuck between action and surrender.
In prayer: As a journal prompt or beginning to deeper prayers.
In recovery: It’s the backbone of many 12-step programs, and for good reason.
And maybe most of all: when I don’t know what to do.
What Serenity Really Means for Christians
Serenity isn’t passiveness. It’s not laziness. It’s peaceful trust in a powerful God.
The Serenity Prayer isn’t in the Bible word-for-word. But its truth lives in the pages of Scripture.
So next time you say it, whether in a moment of fear or peace, know that you’re echoing the heartbeat of a faith that has always said:
Be still, and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10
