The Serenity Prayer is a timeless reflection on acceptance, courage, and discernment, offering a framework for navigating life’s complexities with faith and resilience. It invites us to pause, surrender what we cannot change, take bold steps where we can, and seek divine wisdom to discern the difference. There is more to the prayer than its words. It’s a sanctuary of peace amidst life’s uncertainties.

In this episode, Steve Smith sits down with Tom Phelan, a thoughtful voice in recovery and faith, to unpack the deeper meaning and transformative power of the Serenity Prayer. Drawing from his own experiences in addiction recovery, Tom highlights how the prayer offers guidance not just for overcoming personal struggles, but for anyone longing to live with intention, clarity, and peace. Together, Steve and Tom explore how embracing acceptance brings serenity, why courage is essential for meaningful change, and how discernment shapes our choices in alignment with truth and faith.

This conversation is for anyone seeking strength to face life’s challenges, whether you’re navigating recovery, grappling with anxiety, or simply yearning for a sense of balance and purpose.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Gain clarity on the transformative power of the Serenity Prayer and how its principles can help you navigate life’s uncertainties with peace and purpose.
2. Understand how acceptance is not about defeat but about embracing truth and surrendering to what you cannot change.
3. Learn practical ways to apply the Serenity Prayer in everyday life, from personal struggles to planning your future.

Resources

• Live from Rest Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
• Live from Rest App: Google Play | App Store
• Tom Phelan: Instagram
• The Keys Project: Website

Episode Highlights

[1:16] Mike Raiter’s Background from England to Australia 

• Mike Raiter is a known Bible teacher, conference speaker, and author.
• His family's migration to Australia led to his devotion to Liverpool Football Club until today.
• Mike mentions his work in Pakistan and his American wife. 

[2:34] Understanding the Serenity Prayer

• Steve begins by reciting the Serenity Prayer and reflecting on its ease of recitation without deep thought.

[2:37] Steve: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

• Accepting the things that cannot be changed is a powerful practice that brings peace and freedom from unnecessary struggles.
• Acknowledging the gravity of addiction was a pivotal moment in recovery for Tom, showing how surrender to truth creates a foundation for healing.
• Tom discusses the importance of accepting the truth of a situation for peace and moving forward.

[5:28] The Role of Acceptance in Recovery

• Tom elaborates on the acceptance of his addiction and the realization that he couldn't control it on his own.
• He emphasizes the need for serenity to accept the truth and dwell in it.
• Steve shares his personal struggle with insomnia and anxiety, finding relief in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
• There is liberation in accepting reality and working within it rather than trying to deny what is in front of you.

[7:03] Tom: “Until you accept the truth of a situation, you almost have a duty-bound to keep fighting against it.”

[7:48] Courage to Change and Wisdom for Discernment

• Acceptance is the beginning, but the prayer also includes the courage to change what can be changed.
• Having the courage to take action and regain agency is a powerful mover no matter the world you live in.
• There is a need for wisdom to know the difference between what can be changed and what you must accept as reality.
• Seeking God's help can help you with discernment and making the right decisions.

[10:27] Tom: “When we learn the truth, we have to have the courage to then do what we actually can do. There are things that we can't do, there are things that we can't fix, but to operate in that truth and to actually take some power back, some agency back, which we're meant to have as human beings. ”

[13:12] Courage in Recovery

• Courage in early recovery can look like not picking up the first drink or drug.
• Knowing how to make amends and addressing outstanding issues is important for integrity in recovery.
• In general, making amends is wise to avoid causing further harm.
• Bringing the Serenity Prayer to every stage of recovery and life can create a truly blessed path for you to follow.

[16:40] The Power of Acceptance and Surrender

• Accepting what cannot be changed brings profound peace, offering freedom from unnecessary struggles and misplaced efforts.
• Fighting battles not aligned with God’s calling can drain energy and leave us stuck, while surrendering to reality opens the door to empowerment.
• Moving on from unwinnable battles fosters clarity, resilience, and the ability to focus on what truly matters. 

About Tom Phelan

Tom Phelan is a thoughtful and experienced voice in the fields of recovery and faith, offering profound insights into the transformative power of acceptance and surrender. With a deep understanding of the Serenity Prayer and its connection to the 12-step recovery process, Tom emphasizes the importance of aligning courage, agency, and discernment with truth and faith. His reflections encourage others to embrace the challenges of change while finding peace in surrendering to what cannot be controlled.

Drawing from his personal journey and work in addiction recovery, Tom shares relatable examples of resilience, healing, and the power of making amends. His approach is both practical and deeply faith-centered, providing listeners with actionable wisdom for navigating life’s complexities. Known for his ability to articulate the balance between surrender and action, Tom inspires others to find clarity and strength through intentional reflection and prayer. In addition to his work in recovery, his compassionate perspective and relatable storytelling resonate with audiences seeking hope, faith, and empowerment in their daily lives.

Connect with Tom on Instagram.

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Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this episode with your friends and family. No matter how overwhelming life’s challenges may seem, there is always a path to peace and clarity. True freedom begins when you accept the realities you cannot change and courageously take steps to transform what you can. Trust in the wisdom and strength found in surrendering to God’s guidance.

Have any questions? You can connect with me on Instagram.

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