Monday, August 10, 2009

Prayers for Seniors

A prayer that I find so consoling was given to us who attended the reunion of retired employees of the Court of Appeals (Manila, Philippines) at Jade Vine Restaurant on March 4, 2005. I want to share it with those who like me are in our bonus years hoping and praying that it would appeal to all who read it and to share it with others too.

This Time In My Life

I may be growing old, dear Lord, but I'll never outgrow my need to talk with You. I thank You for helping me to get this far. May You continue to watch over me each day.

You are my dearest Friend, and You know I've had my ups and downs in my life. Although there have been some sorrows, I've also been blessed with many joys. Now that I'm in my later years, please give me the strength and energy to carry on in the best ways I can. I'm so glad to be alive, Lord. Keep me safe from harm. Let me be as free as possible from any health and money worries.

I hope to take things a little easier at this time in my life. Of course, at my age, I'm not able to do as much as I used to. I'm slower now and sometimes it takes me a while to get going. So please help others to be kind, patient and understanding toward me. And may I always remember to treat them the same way.

Let me look forward to each new day, Lord. Be merciful and bless my remaining years with happiness and loved ones who care. Amen.


Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of life, and for the blessing to be among those who know You are the Son of God.

Thank You for the gift of sight that lets me see the wondrous things You made and for my soul to help me see beyond my sight.

Thank You for all the things and specially my heart in which You placed magnetic seeds of grace that draw me forever to Your love.

I know You hold me forever in the palm of Your hand and shield me with Your Holy Face. Yet as years go by, Lord, I fear the yoke of sickness and pain and worry how life will end.

And so I humbly come to ask You, Lord, that when my time comes to leave here below, do not call me by sudden death, not by accident that tears the body apart, not by illness that leaves my mind confused or the senses impaired, not at the mercy of evil forces, not with a heart filled with hate or a body racked with pain, not abandoned, lonely, without love or care, not by my own hand in a moment of despair.

Jesus, let death come as a gentle friend to sit and linger with me until You call my name.

Then let me enter Your Heavenly home to receive Your final gift of grace to be near You forever and look upon the divine countenance of Your Holy Face.

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