A prayer for the Fourth

527 Answered Prayer

I asked God 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 asked for-
but everything I had hoped for;
     Almost despite myself,
      my unspoken prayers were answered.
         I am among all men most richly blessed.
—Unknown Confederate Soldier
Hymns for the Family of God