I love this poem/prayer - it’s lighthearted and funny - but speaks some home truths.
My old yoga teacher had it on the back of the toilet door, where it appeared without explanation, but I guess it resonated with her too.
17th Century Nun’s Prayer
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 that 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 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 growing humility and
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
talent in unexpected people,
and give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.
AMEN.
Anonymous – 17th century.
Found in an old English Church
Who knew ! Thank you xxc
That's great, thanks for that Frankie 😁