A Birthday Prayer

This is a Birthday Prayer that dates back to my childhood days. Dedicating this to a very special friend whose birthday happens to be today....

Thank you, God, for giving me another year of life.
Thank you for all the people who remembered me today
by sending cards, and letters, gifts and good wishes.
Thank you for all the experience of this past year;
for times of success which will always be happy memories,
for times of failure which reminded me of my own weakness
and of my need for you,
for times of joy when the sun was shining,
for times of sadness which drove me to you.
Forgive me for the hours I wasted,
for the chances I failed to take,
for the opportunities I missed this past year.
Help me in the days ahead to make this the best year yet,
and through it to bring good credit to myself,
happiness and pride to my loved ones,
and joy to you.

Amen.