The Polish pontiff prayed this prayer in a letter to the elderly he wrote in 1999.
In 1999, St. John Paul II wrote a touching letter to the elderly, pointing out that, "As an older person myself, I have felt the desire to engage in a conversation with you. I do so first of all by thanking God for the gifts and the opportunities which he has abundantly bestowed upon me up to now."
He went on to write about the gift of life and the dignity of every human person. It is a great letter to read, especially if you find yourself in that state in life.
John Paul II ended his letter with this beautiful prayer for the elderly.
Read more:8 Vital life lessons from our elderly
