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The Way of Serenity: Finding Peace and Happiness in the Serenity Prayer
FOX News religion analyst, program director of the Catholic Channel on SiriusXM radio, and bestselling author Father Jonathan Morris reveals how the Serenity Prayer offers a sure path to peace and fulfillment for everyone, not just those in recovery programs. The Serenity Prayer Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference. Exploring the prayer phrase by phrase, Morris shows the hope that can be found by gaining a deeper spiritual understanding of its words and by practicing its message. Enlightening and profound, The Way of Serenity includes moving narratives, illuminating historical anecdotes, and pertinent biblical passages that demonstrate the power of the Serenity Prayer to help us grow closer to God and find greater peace and happiness.
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference. Exploring the prayer phrase by phrase, Morris shows the hope that can be found by gaining a deeper spiritual understanding of its words and by practicing its message. Enlightening and profound, The Way of Serenity includes moving narratives, illuminating historical anecdotes, and pertinent biblical passages that demonstrate the power of the Serenity Prayer to help us grow closer to God and find greater peace and happiness.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
255 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 13, 2014
This book has beyond helpful. We lost our son 7 years ago to alcoholism and since then I've struggled with grief, pain, guilt and anger. Although being very familiar with The Serenity Prayer, I've never taken it apart and actually applied it to my life. I've copied many of Father Morris's prayers at the end of the chapters onto small cards and I carry them with me. Questioning God and the taking of our son has been an ongoing struggle. While reading the book, I began to feel relieved, unburdened and refreshed. Thank you, Father Morris, for this wonderful gift.
October 16, 2014
Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Repeated by millions worldwide, this simple prayer has transformative power. Father Morris first began to contemplate its healing power when he found himself sitting in an open Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and hearing it shared aloud. Says Morris, “It was the purest and most genuine act of self-abandonment to God’s will I had ever witnessed. Their prayer wasn’t especially pretty, or clean; it was real, and gritty. It was the opposite of religious showmanship; it was intimate, existential, and wholly indifferent to any outsider’s praise or reproach. It was prayer, plain and simple.”
So he broke the simple prayer into its three parts and wrote a three-part book. It is a Catholic perspective, but without heavy-handed religion; just inspirational encouragement and practice suggestions to develop our serenity, courage, and wisdom. You can guess the first suggestion we should put into practice: Pray this little prayer every day.
Serenity arises partly from knowing that we have done all we can and the rest is up to God. The “problem of evil” can be daunting. Why are their earthquakes, floods, birth defects, terrible diseases and calamities if God loves us? The only satisfying explanation is that God is able to turn evil on its head and bring good out of it.
Courage, too, arises from faith in God. Have you ever noticed how many of Jesus’s parables have to do with getting out and doing something–and how displeased he seems when we fail to act? Doing good is, in essence, the meaning of Christianity. Our purpose is to change the world around us, and the first to change must be us.
But the hardest part of the prayer may be the last part. The wisdom to know what to change and what to accept. Morris encourages us to listen to the whispers of God.
This is a book that can make a difference, one day at a time.
Harper One, © 2014, 231 pages
ISBN: 978-1-06-211913-1
Repeated by millions worldwide, this simple prayer has transformative power. Father Morris first began to contemplate its healing power when he found himself sitting in an open Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and hearing it shared aloud. Says Morris, “It was the purest and most genuine act of self-abandonment to God’s will I had ever witnessed. Their prayer wasn’t especially pretty, or clean; it was real, and gritty. It was the opposite of religious showmanship; it was intimate, existential, and wholly indifferent to any outsider’s praise or reproach. It was prayer, plain and simple.”
So he broke the simple prayer into its three parts and wrote a three-part book. It is a Catholic perspective, but without heavy-handed religion; just inspirational encouragement and practice suggestions to develop our serenity, courage, and wisdom. You can guess the first suggestion we should put into practice: Pray this little prayer every day.
Serenity arises partly from knowing that we have done all we can and the rest is up to God. The “problem of evil” can be daunting. Why are their earthquakes, floods, birth defects, terrible diseases and calamities if God loves us? The only satisfying explanation is that God is able to turn evil on its head and bring good out of it.
Courage, too, arises from faith in God. Have you ever noticed how many of Jesus’s parables have to do with getting out and doing something–and how displeased he seems when we fail to act? Doing good is, in essence, the meaning of Christianity. Our purpose is to change the world around us, and the first to change must be us.
But the hardest part of the prayer may be the last part. The wisdom to know what to change and what to accept. Morris encourages us to listen to the whispers of God.
This is a book that can make a difference, one day at a time.
Harper One, © 2014, 231 pages
ISBN: 978-1-06-211913-1
June 13, 2017
I read this book slowly as a devotional. I savored the wisdom of this book and my soul loved it. Such simplicity of this short but profound prayer. It is one of those books you can go back and read again and get something different from it depending on where you are spiritually.Highly recommend to those of a spiritual persuasion.
October 14, 2014
The beautiful thing about this book is that it crosses denominational lines with truth and inspiration. Fr. Johnathan touches hearts and minds with clear logic and Divine encouragement.
October 11, 2014
I loved this book. Most everyone knows the Serenity Prayer and Father Morris breaks it down for you. If you are struggling with finding peace and happiness, this is a great book to lift you up and give you strength. This just isn't for people who believe in God. Anyone who is looking for strength, is going through difficulties, is looking for meaning or a way to find peace in their life need to read this book. I love the prayers at the end of each chapter! I downloaded this book on my Kindle but will now buy the hard copy just to be able to look through it when I need uplifting words of encouragement! Highly recommend this!
March 20, 2015
Loved this book- was very helpful during a very tough and painful time in my life.
September 3, 2018
Outstanding! Brilliant! I'd give this 6 stars if I could. Although written by a Catholic priest, this book would be helpful to not only non-Catholic Christians, but even to non-Christians.
Short, easy to read chapters all containing much depth. This is more of a workbook for practical living and decision making than just a book to read. It uses contemporary examples relatable to the modern world.
Not being familiar with the author previously, I looked him up and was surprised to see how young he is. His wisdom is way beyond his years.
No matter your beliefs or lack thereof, if you are a human being I don't see how this book couldn't help you too.
Short, easy to read chapters all containing much depth. This is more of a workbook for practical living and decision making than just a book to read. It uses contemporary examples relatable to the modern world.
Not being familiar with the author previously, I looked him up and was surprised to see how young he is. His wisdom is way beyond his years.
No matter your beliefs or lack thereof, if you are a human being I don't see how this book couldn't help you too.
March 15, 2021
So many humble nuggets of truth and wisdom in this book! “When we have done everything we can, we can forget about the rest because we know the Holy Spirit has everything under control... The root of wisdom is the fear of God... Faith in God is mocked or derided as irrational... but God has already won the war... We have all known people who think the world revolves around them... We can talk about God theoretically, but we can never begin to understand who He is until we let Him into our lives... The more we rely on Him, the more peaceful we become... Pray, pray, pray!” ❤️❤️❤️
February 12, 2018
I loved the book. Could really be a reference in decision making. Used the famous serenity prayer as a model and developed topics around the theme. Stimulated prayer and discernment. It would be great as a tool for younger folks for making life decisions.
June 12, 2022
Style is more an entertaining devotional or a quick homily written down. If you're looking for deeper meditation on peace or serenity from abandonment to His will, then you might look to Fr. Cassaude or another title.
April 27, 2021
3.5 Stars
June 28, 2015
When someone gives you a book, you read it.
That explains why I read this.
Father Morris is apparently a prominent Fox News contributor. I've got to admit this piqued my curiosity. For one, Christians pledge an oath to righteousness while Fox News is the standard bearer for American conservatism - the social arm of which (if not both the social and the fiscal arms) represents steadfastly the forces of evil. I was curious to see if Father Morris was to be a voice of conscience or a shill, aiding and abetting the enemy. At the risk of slandering a man of the cloth, I fear it is the latter.
But, secondly, I've been attracted to the simplicity and profundity of the serenity prayer for years now, even before actively reevaluating my position on the spirit. It's a ubiquitous Christian koan (suitable for non-Christians as well) that changes over one's life, even in the relatively brief period of a decade or so. I've also been interested in Christian theology and wanted to sample the fare promoted to "average" (non-theologian) Christian readers. I figured a Fox News commentator (with blurbs by other Fox News talking (snarling?) heads emblazoning the dust jacket) wouldn't exactly be swinging for the fences with his exploration of the topic - and I could thus experience an example of populist Christian writing.
Finally, as a person sympathetic to the Lectionary, a professional clergy, and a formal "high church" approach to man's spiritual interests I thought a Catholic priest would dig a little deeper into the profundity of the deceptively quaint prayer - even if the theology was dialed down for the masses. (And, returning to the matter of Morris's Fox News celebrity, I am surprised he has the ear of the conservative American hinterland. It wasn't that long ago in my native Birmingham when a Methodist lay minister was acquitted of gunning down a Catholic parish priest on the steps of his church for performing a wedding between a white woman and a Latino man. I thought an observable portion of Protestants still think of "papists" as Anti-Christ.)
I was let down on each and every point.
That said, no one can write 228 pages and not make a single salient point. Father Morris (undoubtedly a thoughtful man and possessing of many valuable concepts and observations) sprinkles a few grains of wisdom into the pile. But they are very few and come very late into the book. I see who this book is written and marketed to - and honestly, nothing in it is categorically wrongheaded ( except maybe the Church's own doctrines on social issues that I can hardly blame a single member of the clergy for) or dangerous - but my hopes for the Good Reads community are lofty. This is not a deeply reflective book for lively readers. I can recommend it to my grandmother, perhaps, but not to anyone here.
That explains why I read this.
Father Morris is apparently a prominent Fox News contributor. I've got to admit this piqued my curiosity. For one, Christians pledge an oath to righteousness while Fox News is the standard bearer for American conservatism - the social arm of which (if not both the social and the fiscal arms) represents steadfastly the forces of evil. I was curious to see if Father Morris was to be a voice of conscience or a shill, aiding and abetting the enemy. At the risk of slandering a man of the cloth, I fear it is the latter.
But, secondly, I've been attracted to the simplicity and profundity of the serenity prayer for years now, even before actively reevaluating my position on the spirit. It's a ubiquitous Christian koan (suitable for non-Christians as well) that changes over one's life, even in the relatively brief period of a decade or so. I've also been interested in Christian theology and wanted to sample the fare promoted to "average" (non-theologian) Christian readers. I figured a Fox News commentator (with blurbs by other Fox News talking (snarling?) heads emblazoning the dust jacket) wouldn't exactly be swinging for the fences with his exploration of the topic - and I could thus experience an example of populist Christian writing.
Finally, as a person sympathetic to the Lectionary, a professional clergy, and a formal "high church" approach to man's spiritual interests I thought a Catholic priest would dig a little deeper into the profundity of the deceptively quaint prayer - even if the theology was dialed down for the masses. (And, returning to the matter of Morris's Fox News celebrity, I am surprised he has the ear of the conservative American hinterland. It wasn't that long ago in my native Birmingham when a Methodist lay minister was acquitted of gunning down a Catholic parish priest on the steps of his church for performing a wedding between a white woman and a Latino man. I thought an observable portion of Protestants still think of "papists" as Anti-Christ.)
I was let down on each and every point.
That said, no one can write 228 pages and not make a single salient point. Father Morris (undoubtedly a thoughtful man and possessing of many valuable concepts and observations) sprinkles a few grains of wisdom into the pile. But they are very few and come very late into the book. I see who this book is written and marketed to - and honestly, nothing in it is categorically wrongheaded ( except maybe the Church's own doctrines on social issues that I can hardly blame a single member of the clergy for) or dangerous - but my hopes for the Good Reads community are lofty. This is not a deeply reflective book for lively readers. I can recommend it to my grandmother, perhaps, but not to anyone here.
July 22, 2015
Father Morris has written his suggestions for us to realize the importance of the Serenity Prayer. As humans we are often consumed with anxiety and stress. He has many practical ideas on how to focus on this simple prayer which will lead us to a more spiritual understanding. Very readable. Great book to re-read for a peaceful mind and many short prayers.
September 20, 2014
Great
very good reading I truly recommended to get it very inspirational and a good way to grow in the faith
very good reading I truly recommended to get it very inspirational and a good way to grow in the faith
July 5, 2022
I have said this prayer daily for the last 20 years. Enjoyed some of Morris’ views on it.
Favourite lines:
“grant me the grace to wait with expectant hope” (p. 32)
“Where there’s life there’s hope. And, we may add, where there is
hope there is serenity.” (p. 77)
The first part of the prayer has 3 elements:
serenity, acceptance and acknowledgement of things we cannot change.
The second part of the prayer has 3 elements:
courage, change and changeable things.
“Making a humble commitment to changing what we can and should change requires an attitude of healthy realism….accepting our real limitations while not allowing them to curb our enthusiasm is a sign of great maturity and a recipe for great fruitfulness.” (p. 93)
“don’t let me back down when I shouldn’t. Don’t let me walk away when I can make a difference. Don’t let me settle when I could and should do better.” (p. 112)
“we must serenely accept those things we cannot change, but we must likewise courageously change those things we can.” (p. 120)
“Realism keeps our dreams in check, but idealism stretches us to look beyond what has been done so far in order to pursue what hs yet to be accomplished.” (p. 125)
“The person over whom we have the greatest influence is our own self. If we want to change something, this is the logical place to start. ..make us more our best selves.” (p. 127)
ARK – Act of Random Kindness – do one daily, considering the needs and desires of others, being truly compassionate toward others, experience the joy of giving. (p. 151)
“The courage to change the things we can is a courage that moves forward intelligently, with persistence. Life is a marathon, not a fifty-yard dash. We are in it for the long haul, and only programs that acknowledge this are successful in the end.” (p. 160)
“Part of having the courage to change the things we can is refusing to make excuses for ourselves. It’s much better to reach the finish line bruised and bloody than never to get in the race at all.” (p. 162)
The third part of the prayer requires considering our conscience, finding out what wisdom we have, the art of discernment for both big things and in daily choices. This wisdom saves from the opposing error of passively accepting the status quo when it can and should be changed. “Wisdom tells me all our effort will not be in vain when in fact effort is exactly what is needed. Wisdom unmasks our own prejudices and negative inclinations. “ (p. 168)
“Wisdom is not really about knowing many things, but rather knowing (discerning) what is important, knowing what really matters.” (p. 171)
“humans need silence in order to reflect – both interior and exterior silence… delve deeper into yourself….recognize and pursue an interior
dimension to being human. It means taking a step back to consider and reflect – on the present, the past, and the future. It means asking the bigger questions about life and its purpose.” (pp. 173-176)
Favourite lines:
“grant me the grace to wait with expectant hope” (p. 32)
“Where there’s life there’s hope. And, we may add, where there is
hope there is serenity.” (p. 77)
The first part of the prayer has 3 elements:
serenity, acceptance and acknowledgement of things we cannot change.
The second part of the prayer has 3 elements:
courage, change and changeable things.
“Making a humble commitment to changing what we can and should change requires an attitude of healthy realism….accepting our real limitations while not allowing them to curb our enthusiasm is a sign of great maturity and a recipe for great fruitfulness.” (p. 93)
“don’t let me back down when I shouldn’t. Don’t let me walk away when I can make a difference. Don’t let me settle when I could and should do better.” (p. 112)
“we must serenely accept those things we cannot change, but we must likewise courageously change those things we can.” (p. 120)
“Realism keeps our dreams in check, but idealism stretches us to look beyond what has been done so far in order to pursue what hs yet to be accomplished.” (p. 125)
“The person over whom we have the greatest influence is our own self. If we want to change something, this is the logical place to start. ..make us more our best selves.” (p. 127)
ARK – Act of Random Kindness – do one daily, considering the needs and desires of others, being truly compassionate toward others, experience the joy of giving. (p. 151)
“The courage to change the things we can is a courage that moves forward intelligently, with persistence. Life is a marathon, not a fifty-yard dash. We are in it for the long haul, and only programs that acknowledge this are successful in the end.” (p. 160)
“Part of having the courage to change the things we can is refusing to make excuses for ourselves. It’s much better to reach the finish line bruised and bloody than never to get in the race at all.” (p. 162)
The third part of the prayer requires considering our conscience, finding out what wisdom we have, the art of discernment for both big things and in daily choices. This wisdom saves from the opposing error of passively accepting the status quo when it can and should be changed. “Wisdom tells me all our effort will not be in vain when in fact effort is exactly what is needed. Wisdom unmasks our own prejudices and negative inclinations. “ (p. 168)
“Wisdom is not really about knowing many things, but rather knowing (discerning) what is important, knowing what really matters.” (p. 171)
“humans need silence in order to reflect – both interior and exterior silence… delve deeper into yourself….recognize and pursue an interior
dimension to being human. It means taking a step back to consider and reflect – on the present, the past, and the future. It means asking the bigger questions about life and its purpose.” (pp. 173-176)
November 12, 2017
I can't remember how this book made it onto my "to read" list, but I'm very glad it did! Thank you to whoever recommended it! This book is now on my "read every year" list.
Today, Sunday afternoon, I sat down and read through this book. It touched my soul in a deep and meaningful way. Every chapter shared truths that prompted me to examine my life and ask God to give me greater acceptance, courage and wisdom.
I recommend this book for anyone who's curious about the Serenity Prayer, wants to learn more about living for God, faces a personal challenge or desires a stronger faith. Father Jonathan has a way of explaining deep and challenging topics in an easy-to-understand way. The short chapters and plentiful anecdotes make the book easy to read, too. Grab a highlighter - you'll want to make notes!
Today, Sunday afternoon, I sat down and read through this book. It touched my soul in a deep and meaningful way. Every chapter shared truths that prompted me to examine my life and ask God to give me greater acceptance, courage and wisdom.
I recommend this book for anyone who's curious about the Serenity Prayer, wants to learn more about living for God, faces a personal challenge or desires a stronger faith. Father Jonathan has a way of explaining deep and challenging topics in an easy-to-understand way. The short chapters and plentiful anecdotes make the book easy to read, too. Grab a highlighter - you'll want to make notes!
August 24, 2017
A practical and relevant guide
This book highlights a recipe for true happiness ; a platform for spiritual growth that is practical . The author uses examples from real life as a means to illustrate his points. It is thorough in exploring the Serenity prayer as one of the most efficient means of living your life for both your own happiness here on earth, and for all eternity. It is well written in a style that makes you want to read it.
This book highlights a recipe for true happiness ; a platform for spiritual growth that is practical . The author uses examples from real life as a means to illustrate his points. It is thorough in exploring the Serenity prayer as one of the most efficient means of living your life for both your own happiness here on earth, and for all eternity. It is well written in a style that makes you want to read it.
April 15, 2018
The Serenity Prayer is the means by which the author shares how prayer can change your life. Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference. This one prayer has impacted countless lives and this book through powerful stories, historical anecdotes, and biblical passages shows God's plan for one's life. Karen Briscoe, author and podcast "5 Minute Success"
May 31, 2020
When I first began this journey toward serenity, I sat down to read this book all at once - well maybe over the course of a week. What I discovered quickly was that I wanted to read a chapter a day (well mostly) so that I could reflect and meditate on all of the spiritual lessons. Not to say this is a difficult book to read - not at all. It's just thought-provoking and I enjoyed it more on a slow burner.
January 11, 2022
Deepening my faith
Initially I was looking for a book to help me with decreasing my anxiety as my job began to get very hectic. However this book has been an eye opening experience and it has really began to deepen my faith and is helping me see things in a different light. I really enjoyed the prayers at the end of each chapter. Definitely would recommend.
Initially I was looking for a book to help me with decreasing my anxiety as my job began to get very hectic. However this book has been an eye opening experience and it has really began to deepen my faith and is helping me see things in a different light. I really enjoyed the prayers at the end of each chapter. Definitely would recommend.
October 24, 2017
This is a wonderful book! I was a bit reluctant to get it since I'm not Catholic nor have I ever had an addiction problem, but Father Morris writes a Christian inspirational book that is for everyone on the planet. I love his view of life and now I want to read more books by him. He's a terrific writer who makes you want to turn the page to find out what else is there. He inspires me.
June 7, 2018
I loved all his examples and tie-ins to movies and books I love. You can't go wrong with What About Bob or Sound of music. This book is a nice balance between interesting, easy to read, and thought provoking. I fully agreed with his perspective and points. Well worth your time if you are looking for more of a "devotional" type read.
January 20, 2024
Not a book review.
That was a great read. Jonathan I had the honor to meet your parents several years ago at a hospital in Buffalo visiting a mutual friend. I would love to hear about your childhood and stories from growing up in such a welcoming prayerful home.
Thanks for your insight and your work, 🙏🏼 Take Courage!
That was a great read. Jonathan I had the honor to meet your parents several years ago at a hospital in Buffalo visiting a mutual friend. I would love to hear about your childhood and stories from growing up in such a welcoming prayerful home.
Thanks for your insight and your work, 🙏🏼 Take Courage!
May 25, 2018
Things to think about
I found this a very good book with lots of things to think about. The choices of what we can change and what we need to leave to God. I read a chapter each day as part of my daily prayer and glad that I did.
I found this a very good book with lots of things to think about. The choices of what we can change and what we need to leave to God. I read a chapter each day as part of my daily prayer and glad that I did.
December 26, 2019
I have prayed the serenity prayer daily for 3 months now. The prayer has greatly helped me live life. Jonathan Morris makes it very easy to understand the power of this prayer and how anyone can work on living with peace love and serenity.
August 6, 2020
Maravilloso!
Es un libro profundamente espiritual pero al mismo tiempo muy sencillo y comprensible. Para todo cristiano es un libro básico e indispensable para su crecimiento espiritual.
Es un libro profundamente espiritual pero al mismo tiempo muy sencillo y comprensible. Para todo cristiano es un libro básico e indispensable para su crecimiento espiritual.
May 18, 2023
The Serenity prayer has stood the test of time, but a whole book about it? This book was recommended by a friend and was so good we decided to form a reading group around it. Practical, pithy, profound and biblical reflections in short consumable chapters make it a volume you will want to share.
April 21, 2024
I would give this book a 10 if I could. This book spoke to me in so many ways; I would consider it life changing. It brought clarity to our purpose on earth. This is one of the few books I will read again.
July 1, 2017
This book of Fr. Jonathan Morris is a must read book, the book perfectly describe how one can achieve serenity
July 9, 2017
Awesome read! I've given this book as a gift, and I would read and re-read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews