Lord, you know better than I know myselfthat I am growing older and one day will be old.Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I mustsay something on every subjectand on every occasion.
Release me from craving tostraighten out everybodys affairs.Make me thoughtful but not moody;helpful but not bossy.
With my vast store of wisdomit seems a pity not to use it all;but you know, 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 themis becoming sweeter as the years go by.I dare not ask for grace enoughto enjoy the tales of others pains,but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory,but for growing humility and a lessening cocksurenesswhen my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionallyI 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 thecrowning works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected placesand talent in unexpected people,and give me O Lord the grace to tell them so. AMEN.
Anonymous – 17th century. Found in an old English Church
johnjoyce over 1 year ago
Old Nun’s Prayer
Lord, you know better than I know myselfthat I am growing older and one day will be old.Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I mustsay something on every subjectand on every occasion.
Release me from craving tostraighten out everybodys affairs.Make me thoughtful but not moody;helpful but not bossy.
With my vast store of wisdomit seems a pity not to use it all;but you know, 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 themis becoming sweeter as the years go by.I dare not ask for grace enoughto enjoy the tales of others pains,but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory,but for growing humility and a lessening cocksurenesswhen my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionallyI 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 thecrowning works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected placesand talent in unexpected people,and give me O Lord the grace to tell them so. AMEN.
Anonymous – 17th century. Found in an old English Church
Zebrastripes over 1 year ago
It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.
~~Mark Twain~~