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.
Realease me from the 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 pity not to use it all; but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends in 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 the 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 memory 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 the good things in unexpected places and give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. AMEN