SENIOR RENEWAL: CONCLUDING PRAYER
Lord, though you know me better than I know myself that I am growing older or maybe someday be old. Keep me from the unfortunate 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 you know, 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 that point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other's pains, but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening certainty 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 neither be a sour old person who can be a pain on the back. 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.
Thank you, Lord, for these friends/spouse/confreres who have walked with me in good times and in bad moments; in the ups and downs and twists and turns of my journey. They have celebrated by talents, services, jubilees, and birth anniversaries. And for these days, as their stories and my stories got welded together, I thank you. Hold our hands and hearts for the days and years ahead that you may grant to us to live in peace, serenity and joy. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
