A Serenity Prayer

Have you ever encountered a situation in life where you felt rattled and overwhelmed? It may feel like there is a storm brewing inside your heart and mind. We all encounter such things, and we will likely experience more things in our lives that cause us such turmoil. Whether those are problems, trials, or obstacles, such things cause anxiety and uneasiness within us. When we find those things overwhelming, one great way to respond to them is by praying. 

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Why is the serenity prayer important?

Responding with prayer during distressing times is essential. What you pray for is serenity or peace. It is also a chance to remind yourself who your peace is. There was one particular instance in the Bible where certain people were fearful, uneasy, anxious, and worried. Believe it or not, they were the apostles of Jesus. They were in a storm where the waves were roaring, the thunder was clamoring, and their boat almost sank. They were experiencing storms both literally around them and in their hearts and minds. That is where Jesus comes into the picture. Jesus is our source of peace. He is the Prince of Peace. The apostles were so consumed with fear and anxiety that they forgot the fact that Jesus was literally with them at that time, and all others.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

If you find yourself in the middle of a storm, take heart, as Jesus is with you, the Lord of lords and the King of kings who is sovereign over all creation. Jesus, who is with you, is someone whom even the winds and seas obey. Knowing who Christ is and knowing that He is to us enables us to have peace. The peace that we have in Christ is not the absence of storms in our life, but instead, it is a kind of peace where we still have peace and security, despite the storms we experience. 

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Ephesians 2:14

If you are feeling anxious and fearful, here is one of the ways you can pray:

Jesus, I thank You, for you are the Prince of Peace. I know that You are always with me, the Son of God who is the firstborn of all creation and is sovereign over everything, and because of that, I have nothing to worry over or fear. Whenever I encounter tribulations in my life, I shall take heart, for You have overcome the world. Let your peace rule in my heart, and may I always respond in faith and prayer whenever I encounter storms in life. I thank You, Father, because the peace you give me is a shalom kind of peace, which means that I have nothing missing or lacking. Whatever storms I encounter, I am whole and complete in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Always remember the words of Jesus when you encounter tribulations in your life. Take heart, for He has overcome the world. One good way to respond whenever we encounter a storm in our life is to pray and not panic. Respond in faith and trust in God, rather than reacting in fear.