on the morning of 4 august i opened a book of daily readings which i aspire to read every day. this is what i read on that day, written by a 17th century nun.“Lord, thou knows better than I know myself tat 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 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 a pity not to use it all, but Thou knows that I want a few friends in the end.Keep my mind free of recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains.
These are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for the grace 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 no want to be a Saint—some of them are so hard to live with—but a sour old person is on 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 the grace to tell them so. Amen”
if i didn’t trust the compiler of this book, andrew harvey, so deeply, i would have thought this was written last year!(the book is entitled, “light the flame: 365 days of prayer from around the world.)