My Birthday Prayer

Today I'm celebrating my forty something years of existence in this world. I guess this dated photo will prove how long ago I was born ;-). I thank God for continually blessing me with good health and outpouring graces that sustain me through all these years. And also for the trials which serve as constant reminder of my limitations and total dependence on God's loving mercy.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for giving me another year of life
I thank you for all the people who have remembered me today;
for all my achievements and all the friends
you have given to me during the past year.

I thank you for all the experiences,
the successes and happy memories;
for times of failure which reminded me
of my own weaknesses and of my need for you;
for times of joy when the sun was shining;
for times of sorrow which drove me to you.

Forgive me, Lord, for the hours I have wasted;
for the chances I failed to take;
for the opportunities I missed in the past year.
Forgive me that I did not use my talents and abilities to the fullest
because I was lazy and wanted things the easy way,
or I did not completely trust in your support.

Help me in the days which lie ahead
to make this coming year better than last year
and closer to you, my Lord.
Amen