17th Century Nun's Prayer

I am not sure of the source but this is good advice!

Lord, thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older And someday will be old.


Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject 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 of my aches and pains - they are increasing and the love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. 

Keep me reasonably sweet; but know that I do not want to be a saint just yet - Some of them are so hard to live with. 

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.