Scripture honours old age. Abraham and Sarah became parents in their nineties. Simeon and Anna, both very old, were among the first to recognize the infant Jesus in the temple. Psalm 92 says the righteous “shall still bring forth fruit in old age.”
Historical Context
A Prayer for Growing Older
Lord, I’m not as young as I used to be.
Thank you for every year you’ve given me.
Help me accept what I can’t do anymore with grace,
and use what I still can with joy.
Keep my mind clear and my heart open.
Let me bear fruit in old age:
in prayer, in wisdom, in kindness to my family.
Amen.
For Health and Independence
Lord, keep me as healthy and independent as I can be,
and give me humility to accept help when I need it.
Amen.
For Loneliness in Old Age
Lord, so many of my friends are gone.
Be my companion, and send people to visit.
Amen.
For a Peaceful Death
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, be with me at the end.
Let me go home to you in peace.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Each morning, as a daily offering.
- On birthdays and anniversaries.
- When moving to assisted living or a care home.
Scripture Connection
“They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” — Psalm 92:14
Old age isn’t the end of usefulness. The psalmist sees older believers as trees still bearing fruit.
Related prayers
For grandparents, see the Grandmother’s Prayer and Prayer for Grandma. For loneliness, the Prayer for Loneliness.