A few weeks ago was my birthday. No party this time because of my accident. Taking the opportunity of having to stay in bed (and feeling already restless and at times pretty bored) I started to rummage through some old boxes of papers and some books. In one I found a card which had this Prayer printed on it – but no idea where it came from nor does it have any indication who wrote this. But I thought it somehow had the wrong title and it should be called “A Prayer for those growing older!” I think it applies to more or less all ages – even our own girls, now in their early twenty’s thought so. What do you think – please let me know.

A  PRAYER  FOR  THOSE  GROWING  OLD

Lord, Thou knowest I am growing older.

Keep me from becoming talkative and possessed with the idea that I must express myself on every subject.

Release me from the craving to straighten out everyone’s affairs.

Keep me from the recital of endless detail. Give me wings to get to the point.

Seal my lips when I am inclined to tell of my aches and pains.

They are increasing with the years and my love to speak of them grows sweeter as time goes by.

Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong.

Make me thoughtful but not nosey; helpful but not bossy.

With my vast store of wisdom and experience it does seem a pity not to use it all.

But Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.

Amen

Photograph: MANNINGTREE ARCHIVE: Courtyard inside Cloister of the Basilica di San Antonio in Padua/Italy