17th Century nun's prayer

I found this in York when I was traveling last year. it s been sitting under a pile of stuff, for quite some time....


Lord,
Thou knowest better that 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 straiten out everybody’s affairs. 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.
Keep my mind free form the recital of the endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and the love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others pains, but help to endure them with patience.
I Dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memory of others . Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally 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 to unexpected people. And give me, O lord the grace to tell them so.
Amen