The Serenity Prayer and Stoicism: Finding Courage, Wisdom & Peace
- Fiach OBroin-Molloy
- Aug 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8
In moments of struggle, many of us find ourselves repeating the familiar words:
“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.”
Known worldwide as the Serenity Prayer, these simple lines offer hope and grounding for anyone facing uncertainty, anxiety, or recovery.
But did you know that its central themes — acceptance, courage, and wisdom — are deeply connected to an ancient philosophy that’s been guiding people for over 2,000 years? That philosophy is Stoicism.
The Serenity Prayer at a Glance
The Serenity Prayer is cherished in faith communities, recovery circles, and personal devotion alike. At its heart, it reminds us:
We can’t control everything in life
Courage comes from acting where we can
Wisdom lies in recognising the difference
These ideas mirror the teachings of Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who taught that peace comes from aligning our actions with what we can control — and letting go of the rest.
Stoicism’s Connection to the Serenity Prayer
The Stoics faced wars, plagues, exile, and loss — yet they left behind writings full of practical advice for meeting life’s challenges with grace and courage.
Key overlap between Stoicism & the Serenity Prayer:
Serenity Prayer Theme | Stoic Teaching | Example Practice |
Acceptance | “Some things are up to us, others are not.” — Epictetus | Focus only on what’s within your power |
Courage | “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius | Act bravely, even when uncertain |
Wisdom | Cultivating sound judgment to live well | Reflect daily on values and priorities |
By connecting these two traditions, we gain both spiritual comfort and practical tools for finding peace.
Using Prayer and Philosophy Together
Faith and philosophy don’t have to compete — they can complement each other beautifully.
Prayer offers connection, surrender, and grace
Stoicism offers structure, reflection, and resilience
Together, they give us a roadmap for inner calm and purposeful living.
This is why devotional practices, like using a rosary or prayer beads, can be so powerful — they anchor the mind, slow the breath, and create space for both prayer and reflection.
Our Saint Francis Rosary Pouch
At Paisley Honey, we created our Saint Francis rosary pouch as a tribute to the same virtues celebrated in the Serenity Prayer:
Serenity. Wisdom. Courage.
Featuring a handcrafted design inspired by Celtic heritage and an intricate depiction of Saint Francis, it’s made to protect your rosary while carrying a message of hope and strength.
This isn’t just a pouch — it’s a reminder to pause, breathe, and carry these values into daily life.
Simple Practices to Cultivate Peace
Here are three small rituals inspired by Stoicism and the Serenity Prayer:
1. Daily Reflection
At the end of the day, ask:
What worried me today?
What was within my control?
What can I let go of?
2. Breath & Beads
Use a rosary or prayer beads to slow your breath. One bead, one breath. Let your mind settle with the rhythm.
3. Ground Yourself in Nature
Both Stoics and Saints saw nature as a teacher. Walk among trees, tend a garden, or simply sit outdoors to reconnect with stillness.
Conclusion
The Serenity Prayer reminds us to accept what we cannot change, act where we can, and seek wisdom in between. Stoicism echoes this truth — offering timeless guidance for living courageously, calmly, and meaningfully.
By weaving together prayer, ritual, and philosophy, we create a path to inner strength — one small, mindful moment at a time.
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