When the signs of age begin to mark my body (and
Still more when they touch my mind); when the ill
That is to diminish me or carry me off strikes from
Without or is born within me; when the painful
Moment comes in which I suddenly awaken to the
Fact that I am ill or growing old; and above all at
The last moment when I feel I am losing hold of
Myself and am absolutely passive within the hands of
The great unknown forces that have formed me; in all
Those dark moments, O God, grant that I may
Understand that it is you (provided only my faith is
Strong enough) who are painfully parting the fibers
Of my being in order to penetrate to the very marrow
Of my substance, and bear me away within yourself.