Prayer for Later Years

"Prayer for Later Years"[1]

“All Gracious God, you have given me all I am and have, and now I give it all back to You to stand under Your will alone. In a special way, I give You these later years of my life.

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I am one of those called by You into old age, a call not given to all, not given to Jesus, not given to most in our world today. I humbly ask You, grace me deeply in each aspect of that struggle.

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As my physical eyesight weakens, may the eyes of my faith strengthen that I may see you and Your Love in everything. As my hearing fails, may the ears of my heart be more attentive to the whisper of Your gentle voice. As my legs weaken and walking becomes more difficult, may I walk more truly in Your paths, knowing all the while that I am held in the embrace of Your Love. As my mind becomes less alert and memory fades, may I remain peaceful in you, aware that with You there is no need for thought or word. You ask simply that I be there with You.

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And should sickness overtake me and I be confined to bed, may I know myself as one with Your Son as he offers his life for the salvation of the world.

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Finally, as my heart slows a little after the work of the years, may it expand in love for You and all people. May it rest secure and grateful in Your loving Heart until I am lost in You completely and forever. Amen.”

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And with Moya Hanlen, I join in saying, Amen. So be it.

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May Jesus keep us close.

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[1] Prayer for Later Years, by Sr Moya Hanlen FDNSC (Australia).