A Prayer for Later Years
Author Unknown
Lord, Thou knowest that I am growing older. Keep me from becoming too
talkative,and particularly keep me from falling into the tiresome habit
of expressing an opinion on every subject.
Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Keep
my mind free from the recital of endless details Give me wings to get to
the point.
Give me grace, dear lord, to listen to others describe their aches and
pains. Help me endure the boredom with patience and keep my lips sealed,
for my own aches and pains are increasing in number
and intensity, and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter
as the years go by.
Teach me the glorious lesson that, occasionally, I might be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not wish to be a saint (saints are so
hard to live with), but a sour old person is the work of the devil.
Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not pushy; independent,
yet able to accept with graciousness favors that others wish to bestow
on me.
Free me of the notion that simply because I have lived a long time, I am
wiser than those who have not lived so long.
If I do not approve of some of the changes that have taken place in
recent years, give me the wisdom to keep my mouth shut.
Lord knows that when the end comes, I would like to have a friend or two
left.
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