Serenity

Lord Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change

The courage to change those I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

-          Reinhold Neibuhr

Grant me the serenity to accept the challenges life presents me, since the only person I can change is myself. Such challenges might be a physical handicap, a chronic illness, a bereavement or an unwelcome change of circumstances. Help me also to recognise a higher presence in all people so that I avoid the temptation to try to conform them to my will.

Grant me the courage to meet the challenge of change, from wherever it emerges. Help me to rigorously examine all areas of my life, to take personal responsibility for my circumstances so that I can proactively change aspects that betray my higher ideal. Let me be open to the observations of others who see the image I present to the world. Help me to recognise that everyone has a higher self at their core and so to relate to them with the same reverence that I would afford to my own ideals.  This perspective draws me into communion with others to collectively seek the best outcome. Grant me also the courage to give voice to my highest self and to speak my truth as it is revealed to me.

Grant me the wisdom to recognise the source of the anger that wells within me in response to change and to use its motivating powers wisely. Is my resistance a righteous defence of the highest ideals and the common good or is it born of wilful self-justification and self-deception? My body is the temple of the spirit. Therefore help me do all in my power to nourish and protect the body so that the spirit is strong within me.  Since this higher spirit is common to all, I will seek also to nourish others.

People generally do not fear death. More commonly we fear life and the challenges it brings. Grant me the serenity and courage to receive life’s challenges and thereby inspire others to do the same so that collectively we can appreciate and celebrate life itself and play our part in improving the health of mankind in both body and spirit.