As my years increase

Almighty God by whose mercy
my life has continued for another year,
I pray that, as my years increase,
my sins may not increase.
As age advances, let me become more open,
more faithful and more trusting in you.
Let me not be distracted by lesser things from what is truly important.
And if I become infirm as I grow old,
may I not be overwhelmed by self-pity or bitterness.
Continue and increase your loving kindness towards me
so that, when you finally call me to yourself,
I may enter into eternal happiness with you, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Dr Samuel Johnson (18th century)