Lord, thy knowest better than I know myself

that I am growing 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 outeverybody’s affairs.

Make me thoughtful but not moody,helpful but not bossy,

With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pitynot to use it all.

But, Thou knowest Lord that I want a fewfriends at the end.

Keep my mind from the recitals ofendless details.

Give me wings to get to the point.

– Anonymous Prayer written in the 17th Century