A Prayer for Growing Old Gracefully

Dear Parishioners,

The following prayer is for your reflection.

A Prayer for Growing Old Gracefully

Lord, Thou knowest better than I myself
that I am growing older and will someday
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 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, for 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, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

Amen

God bless us all!
Fr. Citino