How ‘God Grant Me the Serenity’ Helped Me Through Anxiety and Fear

How the God Grant Me the Serenity Prayer Helped Me Through Anxiety and Fear

There was a time in my life when anxiety felt like a constant companion. It quietly followed me through the day and stole sleep from my nights. It wasn’t one big event that triggered this feeling. Instead, it was the slow buildup of stress, uncertainty, and the overwhelming sensation that life was too much to carry. I kept showing up. I did all the things and put on a brave face. But inside, I felt like I was unraveling.

Then, almost by accident, I rediscovered a prayer I’d heard a hundred times before:

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.*

At first, it felt too simple for what I was experiencing. How could twenty-five words possibly provide enough strength to combat the anxiety that made my chest tighten and my thoughts spiral?

But I kept repeating it—quietly, slowly. I said it in the car, in the shower, and right before bed. Then something surprising happened: it began to soften me. Not by removing the anxiety but by changing how I held it.

Accepting What I Couldn't Control

The first line was the hardest: “Accept the things I cannot change.” I didn’t want to accept anything. I wanted to fix, solve, control, or outrun the discomfort. Deep down, however, I knew some things were beyond my reach. Other people’s choices, past mistakes, unanswered questions, and the uncertainty of the future were all part of my struggle.

This line taught me to let go, not because I was giving up, but because I finally admitted I was human. I started repeating to myself, “This isn’t mine to carry.” With that small release, I made room for peace.

Finding the Courage to Act

Next came the part I didn’t expect: “Courage to change the things I can.” Anxiety often made me feel stuck, frozen inside my own head. But this line reminded me of my power. I could say no to things that drained me. I could ask for help. I could take a walk, make a phone call, write in a journal, or simply pause to breathe.

It wasn’t about fixing everything; it was about doing the next kind thing for myself and trusting that it was enough.

Learning to Discern the Difference

Finally, we arrive at: “Wisdom to know the difference.” This line felt like a gentle whisper—an invitation to pause and reflect. It led me to ask myself, Is this something I can actually change, or am I exhausting myself trying?

This wisdom helped me sift through the chaos and respond instead of react. I believe that is where true serenity resides.

What the Serenity Prayer Taught Me About God and Myself

This little prayer—often printed on plaques or tucked inside recovery books—became a lifeline for me. Not because it fixed my problems, but because it reoriented me. It reminded me that God doesn’t require me to have it all together. He offers me rest, grace, and a way to breathe when life feels heavy.

When fear creeps back in, I return to these words—sometimes out loud, sometimes through tears. Every time, they remind me that I don’t have to carry what isn’t mine. I can take one small step forward, and I am never alone.

The Ongoing Journey Towards Serenity

Learning the principles within the Serenity Prayer is not a one-time event. It is a journey. Each day, I revisit these words, allowing them to sink deeper into my being. The journey involves daily practice and patience with myself.

Building Daily Resilience

Incorporating the prayer into my daily routine has helped me build resilience. I now set aside time each morning to reflect on its meanings. This practice helps me start my day with intention and clarity.

Creating a Supportive Environment

I’ve also found that building a supportive environment is essential. Surrounding myself with people who uplift me has a tremendous impact on my mental health. These supportive relationships complement my prayer practice, creating a safety net during turbulent times.

Embracing My Emotions

Additionally, I’ve learned to embrace my emotions rather than suppress them. Acknowledging and expressing feelings—whether through art, writing, or conversation—has become a vital component of my journey. Understanding that it’s okay to feel anxious or afraid allows me to approach these feelings with kindness.

Conclusion: Finding Peace in the Chaos

The God Grant Me the Serenity Prayer has transformed my approach to anxiety and fear. It taught me acceptance, offered me courage, and gave me the wisdom to navigate life’s complexities. I’ll continue to embrace its teachings as I journey through life. Each day is an opportunity to reconnect with this powerful prayer, reminding me that I have the strength to move forward, one step at a time.