Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 20
May 16, 1968
NUMBER 3, PAGE 8b

A Prayer For Older Folks

(Excerpt From Ann Landers)

Dear Ann Landers: So much is being said and written these days about senior citizens, but a lot of it is slanted toward what can be done to help them. Too little is being written about what they can do to help themselves. Since I am a member of that age group and realize that we need to be reminded about certain things from time to time, I am asking you to print the enclosed "Prayer For Older Folks."

It contains a great deal that is valuable. I ran across it several weeks ago and am sorry I do not know the name of the author.

Lord, thou knowest that I am growing older.

Keep me from becoming too talkative, and particularly keep me from falling into the tiresome habit of expressing an opinion on every subject.

Release me from the 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.

Give me grace, dear Lord, to listen to others describe their aches and pains. Help me to endure the boredom with patience and to keep my lips sealed. For my own aches and pains are increasing in number and intensity and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

Teach me the glorious lesson that, occasionally, I might be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not wish to be a saint (saints are so hard to live with) but a sour old woman is the crowning work of the devil.

Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not pushy; independent, yet able to accept with graciousness favors that others wish to bestow on me. Simply because I have lived a long time I am wiser than those who have not lived so long.

If I do not approve of some of the changes that have taken place in recent years, give me the wisdom to keep my mouth shut.

Lord knows that when the end comes I would like to have a friend or two left.

--Senior C.

Dear Senior: Thanks for a beautiful prayer. There is something of value in it for any age.