17th Century Nun's Prayer

Lord,Though knowest better than I know myselfthat I amgrowing older and will some day be old.Keep me from the fatalhabit of thinking I must say something on every subjectand on every occasion.Release me from craving to straighten outeverybody's affairs.Make me thoughtful but not moody;helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems apity not to use it all,but Thou knowest Lord that I want a fewfriends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details;give me wing to get to that point.Seal my lips on my aches and pains.They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them isbecoming sweeter as the years go by.I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endurethem with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growinghumility and a lessing cocksureness when my memory seems toclash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lessonthat 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 oneof the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see goodthings in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people.And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

- Author Unknown