Lord, Thou knowest me better than I know myself, that I am growing older and will someday be old.
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking that 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 memories of others.
Teach me the glorious lesson that I may occasionally 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, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen.
--Anonymous
I found this prayer in a book that I will be reviewing soon. Isn't it great?
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3 comments:
Even though I'm doing it as I type, I can identify with "thinking I must say something." Not so much with real life conversations, although the temptation always exists, but with blogs.
I understand the hard work that goes into blogging, and I understand how disappointing it is when no one comments on your brilliant, life changing words, that I feel compelled to stop and say hi.
You know what I mean?
Awesome!
I love the prayer that starts "With my vast store of wisdom . . ."--good wisdom to instruct my own!
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