Lord, give me a few friends

Dear Lord, please give me
A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
A work to do which has real value,
without which the world would be the poorer;
A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
An understanding heart;
A sense of humor;
Time for quiet, silent meditation;
A feeling of the presence of God;
And the patience to wait for the coming of these things,
with the wisdom to recognize them when they come. Amen.

(A Prayer for the New Year, adapted from Walter Reid Hunt's A Morning Wish)