1/12/2011

All I Hoped For

I read this prayer on a bookmark I discovered yesterday in a long lost book.

All I Hoped For

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'd hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Attributed to a Confederate Soldier 
during the War between the States.


How often we think we know what's best for us, and ask God accordingly. What grace it would take to ask for weakness that we might be made strong in Christ; for a lack of riches so we might be made rich in Christ.


We say the words, 'Thy will be done' so often. Let us pray that we say it honestly, praying for grace to be content in all the providence that our Father may send us. 

6 comments:

  1. It's so true what you said. The bookmark has such wisdom. What I want and what I need are two entirely different things, ones that God is wise about. We fool ourselves with our "knowledge." I don't always get what I pray for, yet He never ceases to amaze me with what He gives.

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  2. Very beautiful - very true! Bless you for giving me a thoughtful beginning to my day.

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  3. A reminder for us all. God is much more concerned with our spiritual development, than He is with our earthly comfort. We all know that. Although sometimes you wouldn't know it based on the content of our prayers. Blessings to you my friend!

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  4. I said something very similar in my sermon this past Sunday, borrowing from C.S. Lewis and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. We really don't want the desires of our hearts, but His will to be done.
    Blessings

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