I found this prayer near the end of a book I recently read (kudos to Joanna Weaver, for yet another great read that made me think and challenged me "Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out" ISBN 978-1-4000-7247-7). Now, why this post at this time? Well, I learned from Psalm 142 that I can cry to the Lord anytime; I can bring my complaint to Him anytime. He will restore my hope by His Word and His Ways; thus giving me the freedom to not bring ALL my complaints to everyone all the time.
Am I saying, "put on a happy face and don't be real?" Absolutely not!!! But where do I go first? Must I get a team of people on "my side" before I can feel better? Am I so busy rehearsing my miseries I cannot see the needs of others?
Am I content to truly let God be God in my life, or do I want Him to give me a list of options to consider, and then I will choose my own path?
"Oh, that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes. Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all Your commandments. . ." Psalm 119:5,6
Prayer of an unknown Nun of the 17th Century
Lord, you know better than I know myself that 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 having 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, I want a few friends in 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 a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness 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 talents in unexpected people. And give me, Lord, the grace to tell them so. AMEN
Lord, you know better than I know myself that 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 having 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, I want a few friends in 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 a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness 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 talents in unexpected people. And give me, Lord, the grace to tell them so. AMEN
2 comments:
Hi Bev! Thank you for "Lord, Keep me Sweet"! It blesses me because He has been teaching me about this too! Oh how I want to learn this RIGHT NOW! I feel so ashamed when I choose to have a bad attitude whether it be Miss Grumpy, or Miss Know-It-All, etc. Thank you for your ministry through blogging! I love you!
ha! I love this prayer! It made me laugh and is so true! This is one to print out and place in a couple of areas so I'll see it each day.
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