Blasphemous "Serenity Prayer"?

[Crumpy]

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” (or something like this)

In a way, this prayer teaches me somethingn about life, but I feel a little hollow giving up on things when I know that with God nothing is impossible. Doesn’t this prayer rather falsely stop us in our tracks of seeking God’s intervention? and, thus, blaspheming His Majesty?

Why should we “accept” things that WE can’t change? Most of the things I want are things that are beyond me, and that only God can change.

 

[nkbeth]

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” (or something like this)

In a way, this prayer teaches me somethingn about life, but I feel a little hollow giving up on things when I know that with God nothing is impossible. Doesn’t this prayer rather falsely stop us in our tracks of seeking God’s intervention? and, thus, blaspheming His Majesty?

Why should we “accept” things that WE can’t change? Most of the things I want are things that are beyond me, and that only God can change.

You’re right, it is not a perfect prayer, although I wouldn’t go so far as to say it is blasphemous.

We do have to accept God’s will (things as they are and as they will be). If we can’t change things then right then they are God’s will and should be be serenely accepted. We should ask God to change them, but accept any answer He gives. It’s not a matter of “giving up”; we should keep hoping and praying.

 

[MissMichal]

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” (or something like this)

In a way, this prayer teaches me somethingn about life, but I feel a little hollow giving up on things when I know that with God nothing is impossible. Doesn’t this prayer rather falsely stop us in our tracks of seeking God’s intervention? and, thus, blaspheming His Majesty?

Why should we “accept” things that WE can’t change? Most of the things I want are things that are beyond me, and that only God can change.

With God, all things are possible, but this prayer (one of my very, very favorites) invites me to quit banging my head against the wall and let HIM handle the change, rather than thinking I can do it myself. It also challenges me to change the things I can, which may be more than I think. Example: I can’t change Roe v. Wade, but I can change the fact that I’m just whining about abortion rather than praying and educating people.

-S-

 

[Salonika]

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” (or something like this)

…

Why should we “accept” things that WE can’t change? Most of the things I want are things that are beyond me, and that only God can change.

Think there are some situations where we need to accept that we cannot change things or, if we can, and it involves an inordinate amount of time and energy, we need to decide whether it is the best use of our resources?

I’d put in this category some types of expensive and extensive cosmetic surgery for vanity only (not if it is needed for medical reasons or to be able to function in society).

I’d also put in continually telling other people that they need to change - as only the person can decide to change and being continually told of the need to change can backfire and make the person more determined to continue in their present ways.

 

[tonyrey]

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Acceptance doesn’t mean you cannot ask God to intervene nor that you should give up. It simply means be calm, trust in His Providence and do the best you can.

 

[daeve]

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Notice that it says the thing I can and cannot change. There are many things I can’t change no matter what I do, like feeding all the starving children in the world. I can make contributions and participate in food drives and maybe even give some guy on the street a couple bucks ot my lunch. But I can’t solve those problems. It upsets me that my brother-in-law hasn’t been able to find a new job, but I don’t have one to give him either.

I think knowing the difference helps me to know when to roll up my sleeves and dig in and when to just keep praying.