The following prayer could be called “I Am Growing Older,” or perhaps "A Prayer for the Aging Know-it-All." The words are those of Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582). Much of the prayer is tongue-in-cheek and playfully self-deprecating. Still, the inherent message is a good one, especially for the senescent. You can find the prayer, with 180 more, in Amen. Selected Prayers and Hymns for the Journey.
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Lord, you know better than I 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 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 you know, 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 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, for 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, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.
Amen.
