The new Episcopal Prayer Book has added many prayers that are not to be found in the old one, prayers adapted to the changes that have taken place in the world since the revision of 1929: prayers for those who influence public opinion, for the conservation of natural resources, for the victims of addiction, for the future of the human race, to name but four. There is also a Prayer for the Aged.

Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and, as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

As one of the “Aged” myself I bristle at the implication that age is primarily weakness, distress, and isolation…. I am fortunate enough to live in a loving community, where we all enjoy dignity and peace. A few are weak but none is isolated. Distress includes grief, pain, illness and financial anxiety and may come to any one at any age. What in this prayer does strike me as being particularly appropriate to the old is the bit about being willing to accept help. This is the tough one. We cling to our independence, physical, mental, spiritual. It is hard to express gratitude, to overlook officiousness, perfunctoriness or clumsiness. This prayer was obviously written by someone young or middle aged. How would I write it myself? Could I write a better one?

….

Might this do?

Consider thy old friends, O God, whose years are increasing. Provide for them homes of dignity and freedom. Give them, in case of need, understanding helpers and the willingness to accept help. Deepen their joy in the beauty of thy world and their love for their neighbors, grant them courage in the face of pain or weakness, and always a sure knowledge of thy presence.

–Elizabeth Gray Vining in Pendle Hill Pamphlet 246: A Quest There Is