Prayer of An Anonymous Confederate Soldier

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 that I had hoped for, almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.