Poem: Answered Prayer

ANSWERED PRAYER

I asked God for strength,
that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn to obey.

I asked for health,
that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I received nothing that I asked for -
but all that I had hoped for;
almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men,
most richly blessed.

- Unknown Confederate Soldier