I asked God for strength,
    that I might achieve;

I was made weak,
    that I might humbly 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 everything that I had hoped for;

Almost despite myself,
    my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Prayer by an
Unknown Confederate Soldier