Prayer

This prayer really struck me the first time I read it while studying the book "Unbinding Your Heart" by Martha Grace Reese, and I find myself going back to it and praying it over and over again, so I wanted to share it. It reminds me a little of the song "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks. It rings so true in my life, and as I've recently learned, God is always in control. As a parent to a child, He knows best. He knows what I need a lot better than I do! I'm always amazed at the things He's trying to teach me at just the right time in my life... when I'm ready to learn:

I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly 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 got nothing that I had 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.

~ Unknown soldier, 19th century, American Civil War