Serenity Prayer
The Serenity Prayer – A Musical Inspiration
The Serenity Prayer is built on three fundamental pillars: acceptance, action, and wisdom. It offers a framework for navigating life’s challenges with balance and discernment. Frequently cited in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other recovery programs, it is attributed to the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr:
God,
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.
I first encountered this prayer when I began attending Al-Anon meetings, a support organization for those affected by a loved one’s excessive alcohol consumption. Al-Anon’s goal is not to “cure” the alcoholic but to help its members find serenity, set boundaries, and detach emotionally from destructive behaviors, all while connecting with others who share similar experiences.
Although Al-Anon incorporates a spiritual dimension, it is not a religious organization. At first, the mention of “God” in the Serenity Prayer made me uncomfortable. However, in this context, “God” is left open to personal interpretation. Some replace it with “higher power,” others with art, nature, or even a supportive friend. Personally, I associate it with “the whole” or “the cosmos,” which allows me to embrace the prayer without rational conflict.
Beyond my relationship with the alcoholic person, the Serenity Prayer has become a guiding presence in my daily life, helping me navigate its ups and downs. This deep resonance inspired me to compose a musical piece reflecting its essence.
The Composition
In this piece, the viola frequently plays its open strings, symbolizing “the things we cannot change.” These fundamental tones are met with harmonic tensions, representing the inner struggles we face when we wish to change something but remain powerless over it. The music shifts between moments of tension and resolution, ultimately leading the listener toward a sense of serene harmony.
Instrumentation: solo viola
Duration: 3 minutes
Commissioned by Benjamin Rota
Dedication: This work is dedicated to Nadia, my wife, as a token of gratitude for her unwavering support and for helping me deepen my understanding of acceptance, action, and wisdom.
Premiere: July 5, 2025, by Benjamin Rota, at the Eglise de Dommartin, in Dommartin, Franche-Comté, France
2025, July 23 | Benjamin Rota | Lutherie Marc Boyadjian, Pontarlier, Franche-Comté, France
2025, July 10 | Benjamin Rota | CHSLD, Franche-Comté, France
2025, July 9 | Benjamin Rota | CHSLD, Franche-Comté, France
2025, July 8 | Benjamin Rota | CHSLD, Franche-Comté, France
2025, July 7 | Benjamin Rota | CHSLD, Franche-Comté, France
2025, July 6 | Benjamin Rota | CHSLD, Franche-Comté, France
2025, July 5 | Benjamin Rota | Eglise de Dommartin, Dommartin, Franche-Comté, France (Création)