Heard this read on Catholic radio the other day. I think it's my new daily prayer! Amazing that all these years later that a prayer can be so univerally fitting.
Seventeenth
Century Nun's Prayer
Lord,
thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some
day 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 other's 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 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, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.
Amen.
Anonymous
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