Prayer

Lord, 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.

With my vast store of wisdom,

it seems a pity not to use to 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 them is becoming sweeter

as the years go by.

I dare not ask for grave 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

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 O Lord,

the grace to tell them so.

(a 17th Century Nun's Prayer)