A Prayer for Those Growing Old (and Fearful), That’s Me.

Source:the torontostar.com

Recently, I came across a prayer written in 2002 by a now deceased Canadian Jesuit missionary from Winnipeg who worked in Darjeeling, India. – Father Edgar Burns, SJ.  As a retired history teacher who is “growing older”, I am fearful of many things from the covid-19 – the invisible enemy – the dark winter that looms over us with no assurance of a spring vaccine , to life in the “new normal”.  The world needs the comfort and joy of the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

I have added my own words – “and fearful” to the title of the prayer because I think they truly reflect 2020 although Fr. Burns’ faith and humour might also have transcended my fears:

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“A Prayer for Those Growing Old (and Fearful), That’s Me. “

Lord, you know I am growing older. Keep me from becoming talkative and possessed with the idea that I must   express myself on every subject.

Release me from the craving to straighten out everyone’s affairs.

Keep me from the recital of endless detail. Give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips when I am inclined to tell of my aches and pains. They are increasing with the years and my love to speak about them grows sweeter as time goes by.

 Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong. Make me thoughtful but not nosey, helpful but not bossy.

 With my vast store of wisdom and experience it does seem a pity not to use it all. But you know that I want a few friends at the end.  Amen.

Richard Grover is a retired history and religion teacher from St. Paul's High School in Winnipeg.

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9 Comments
  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 02:21h, 12 January Reply

    Thank you Richard!

  • Donna Zeolla
    Posted at 07:51h, 12 January Reply

    This is perfect.

  • Roger Yaworski SJ
    Posted at 12:48h, 12 January Reply

    Richard, Thanks for the prayer from Fr. Burns.
    Stay well.
    Roger

  • Roger Yaworski SJ
    Posted at 12:49h, 12 January Reply

    Richard,
    Thanks for this prayer.
    Stay well.
    Roger

  • Larry Martell
    Posted at 13:10h, 12 January Reply

    Thanks Richard. I can say “AMEN” to that.

  • Gemma Neal
    Posted at 15:23h, 12 January Reply

    Brilliant!!

    Gemma
    An Irish-Canadian Grandmother

  • Paul J Ingham
    Posted at 15:49h, 12 January Reply

    Nice one Grover, I’m listening.

  • Philip Shano
    Posted at 15:16h, 14 January Reply

    Richard, Thanks for the prayer and your support for all of us.

  • Mavis Assad
    Posted at 18:58h, 15 January Reply

    Thanks for this very much-needed prayer. Right on, and also humorous!

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