Merrywayne’s prayer …

A few months ago, I wrote about our dear friend, Merrywayne Elvig, who passed away in early January this year. This poem was found in her wallet. The poem provides a very good description of how she lived – with character. She is still teaching us …

In case it is difficult to read, here’s the text:

“Merrywayne’s Prayer”
“Lord, keep me from the habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs.

Keep my mind free from the recital of pointless details – give me the wings to get to the point.

I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of other’s pains. Help me to endure them with patience. But seal my lips on my own aches and pains – they are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that 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, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

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 thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.

Amen

This prayer is an adaptation of a prayer written by an anonymous 17th century abbess (Mother Superior at a convent of nuns).