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Rotating Wheels Banquet, June 23, 2000
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Preacher Mix gives invocation.
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This prayer is attributed to a 17th Century Nun.
LORD, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day 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 somebody’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 upon my aches and pains. They are
increasing, and the love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’
pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory but for a growing humility and not a lessing 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 talents in unexpected people. And give me, Lord, the grace to tell them so.”
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