Admiral Nimitz-Prayer of Restraint

Lord, thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older, and someday will be old.

Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the false habit of thinking I must say something on every subject on every occasion.

Release me from craving to try to straighten 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 from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point.

Seal my lips on my many aches and pains. They are increasing, and my love of rehearsing is becoming sweeter as the years go by:

I ask for grace enough to listen to the tale of others’ pains. Help me endure them with patience.

Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible to be mistaken…that even 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.

Help me extract all possible fun out of life. There are so many fun things around us, and I don’t want to miss any of them.