A Nun's Prayer

I thought I'd share this anonymous prayer written by a seventeenth century nun. I can't imagine a more honest, heartfelt, and much needed prayer that would greatly increase one's spiritual growth. Hope you find yourself within the words....and hope you find yourself praying as you read .....if you do, you'll find God drawing nearer to you in it.....it's what we're all longing for.....time spent with God.

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know 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 rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

I dare no ast for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pain,

but help me to endure them with patience.

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;

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. Amen.