“LORD,
Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memory of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a Saint – some of them are so hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people. And give me Oh Lord the grace to tell them so.
Amen.”
Blessings ~ friends ~ wisdom ~ a sense of humor ~ laughter ~ insight ~ the Lord ~
Hi June, it is beautiful and I’ve enjoyed it through the years. I’m glad it speaks to your heart, love you too.
The prayer is beautiful, and I plan to make a copy of it, too, and read it often. Thanks for writing it down for us. Love you!
Hi Kathy – it does give pause, doesn’t it? -smile- That used to be my spinning corner, now it’s a quilting frame corner in our sun room and the spinning wheel is now in the studio.
I am going to copy this and put it on my craft room wall, or better yet, in the bathroom in the spot on the wall most observed while ‘reflecting’! ha ha. Love this!
Is that you cozy spinning area?