The Serenity Prayer
Quick answer: On this page, you will find a clear reading of the Serenity Prayer followed by ten public-domain Bible verses about peace, trust, and surrender presented in both the King James Version and World English Bible.
Many people reach for this prayer during moments of difficulty, transition, or personal quiet when they need stillness and steady direction. It offers simple words for setting aside heavy burdens, accepting what cannot be changed, and finding calm focus for daily life. Whether you are looking for morning quiet, seeking guidance through a hard decision, or simply trying to quiet your mind at night, this prayer provides a helpful focal point for quiet reflection.
This page features the widely known prayer displayed at the top, followed by ten related Bible verses selected to help you reflect on surrender, courage, and trust. Every passage on this page is served directly from public-domain text files in both the King James Version and the World English Bible. You can compare translations side by side, read at your own pace, and use these passages freely without registering or viewing advertisements.
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.
The widely circulated short form — attributed to the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr
About this text — attribution and copyright
This page prints only the short, widely circulated form of the prayer shown above, and states its attribution plainly: the prayer is attributed to the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971), who composed it in the 1930s. It spread widely through preaching and through the recovery movement from the 1940s onward.
The prayer is not a Bible verse. The verses further down this page are related scripture on the same themes — peace, trust and surrender — not the prayer's source. A longer form of the prayer also circulates, but the authorship and copyright status of that longer text are disputed, so it is not reproduced here; only the short form above, whose attribution to Niebuhr is the widely accepted view, appears on this page.
If you want a quiet way to sit with these words, the prayer room lights a candle and shows one verse at a time. For more short prayers, see our prayers for every need, and for more verses on this theme, see Bible verses about peace.
Related verses on serenity, surrender and trusting God
These are related Bible verses on the same themes — they are not the prayer's source. They are printed verbatim from the public-domain King James Version and World English Bible — switch between the two translations below.
- Psalms 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
- Psalms 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
- Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
- Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
- Psalms 62:1
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
- Psalms 37:7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
- Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
- Psalms 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use this prayer in my daily routine?
Is the Serenity Prayer a Bible verse?
Are the Bible verses on this page real public-domain scripture?
Is this page free to use, and do I need an account?
More related pages
Galatians 5:22–23 in KJV and WEB, with a short explanation of each of the nine qualities.
Exodus 20:2–17 printed verse by verse in KJV and WEB, with the Deuteronomy parallel explained.
Short situational prayers for anxiety, healing, protection, morning and evening, with real verses.
Fifteen peace verses in KJV and WEB, with reflection notes and a verse-image maker.