Lord, Keep me from the habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details - give me wings to get to the point.
I ask for grace, enough to listen to the tales of others’ pains. Help me to endure them with patience. But seal my lips on my own aches and pains - they are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that 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 crowing works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And, give me, Oh Lord the grace to tell them so.
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 I want a few friends in the end.
This is a prayer that was carried by my grandmother in her purse, then it was passed on to me (by her =). I love it, and it is very special to me.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Barb 09.03.06 at 1:29 am
Amen, Laurel. Amen.
Jennifer 09.03.06 at 5:37 pm
That’s really good. I think I need to do some praying, too. Does everyone struggle with every single one of those like I do?
When my grandmother died, my aunt found something that she had written on herself and carried, and she also treasures it.