My Prayer Sisters and I talk often about aging gracefully. We discuss face lifts and sagging body parts and how to lose those few stubborn,  bulging  pounds that didn’t used to rest just so on our hineys like they do now.  But we also touch on the more sensitive issues of the heart—like how NOT to turn into a crotchety old crank in a nursing home someday.

So when I received an email about “Aging Well” from my mentor and sister-in-law, Rita Hauck, I paid special attention. I have to admit I was startled, and okay, convicted, by some of my own character flaws as I read the honest prayer of a 17^th century nun. I am now joining this noble woman in the following prayer for grace to age well.  

(A devotional thought from Elizabeth Elliot’s book, Gateway to Joy - Reflections that draw us nearer to God)

 “Asking for Grace to Age Well”…

                “Lord, You know better than I know myself that I am getting 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 from the recital of endless details - give me wings to come to the point. 

Seal my lips on my aches and pains.  They are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter.  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 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.  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 the grace to tell them so.”

See what I mean? If we pray for God’s grace to apply these principles to our Prayer Sisters friendships, we’ll all be sweet little old ladies some day. Bring it on.