Paradoxes of Prayer

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 greater things
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things…

I asked God for riches,
That I might be happy
I was given poverty that I might be wise…

I asked God for power,
That I might have the praise of men
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God…

I asked God 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 most richly blessed!