Even for those who’ve been counting the days, the start of this new stage in life brings a certain amount of uncertainty.Retirement is more than just a long vacation; it’s a new stage in life. Those who would prefer to go on working fear it, while others, worn down by work, can’t wait. But everyone faces this moment with some trepidation. How to fill your spare time? How to avoid becoming isolated? How to put up with your darling spouse full-time? How to stay active?
Prayer can prove an invaluable help to these questions. The Christian Movement for the Retired (CMR) knows this very well — here’s beautiful prayer taken from one that its members suggest to help you set sail into your retirement with a light heart.
Father of humankind, here we are before You as we prepare to enter retirement. We give you thanks and bless you for the years of yesterday, the years of work. Forgive us if we have made mistakes — in your love, correct them. Teach us to only regret not having loved You enough, by not loving others as Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, loved them.
We ask that You continue to guide us so that we remain present in today’s society, active witnesses of Your presence and your love. We believe in the value of the human person, of every person, rich or poor, happy or suffering, valiant or bedridden, young or old, because we know that You are the Father of all mankind and that you welcome each and everyone as Your own child.
Lord Jesus, we ask You to fill our days with Your presence as the Risen One. We now have a little more time to listen to and feed on Your Word. You who washed the feet of your apostles, teach us to be humble servants of our brothers and sisters, especially those around us, those who experience the trial of illness or loneliness, our esteemed elders whom You particularly love.
Holy Spirit, make us welcoming to all, children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. Make us aware that we are the link between all generations, without judging those who do not live as we have lived. Help us to understand them. Teach us to face difficulties and tensions with lucidity, to be always open, in particular to those who say they do not believe in You. And above all, help us not to turn in on ourselves, but to always listen to others, those who preceded us and those who follow us.
O God, Trinity of love, You are our Life. To You be the glory, today and on the day when we will come to You. Amen.
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