A Soldier's Prayer

This was read at church on Sunday

and it has really stuck with me.

I asked God for strength,

that I might achieve,

I was made weak,

that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked God for health, 

that I might do great 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 got nothing that I asked for --

but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself,

my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.