There’s a beautiful prayer that holds much meaning for many hearts. The Serenity Prayer is believed to be written by Reinhold Niebuhr. I remember when I first discovered it, and even then as a child I knew it was meaningful.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
and the Wisdom to know the difference.” (Reinhold Niebuhr)

Through the years the Serenity Prayer has been prayed by countless people, including members of Alcoholics Anonymous and other such programs. There are multiple versions, and a more recent “people” version is used by CoDependents Anonymous.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change,
Courage to change the person I can,
And the wisdom to know that person is me.” (Origin unknown)

I believe both prayers are full of hope. If you have hope enough to pray, then perhaps you have faith enough to move mountains. Consider the small size of a mustard seed….

Jesus said, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” (Matthew 17:20)

Now that gives me hope….

God, grant me the HOPE to pray, the FAITH to move mountains, and the LOVE to share that hope and faith. Amen.