A Soldier's Prayer

Prayer by An Unknown Soldier

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,

I was made weak, that I might humbly 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.

~~~As we visited a local church this past Wednesday night, the pastor concluded his message by the reading of this poem. It was a blessing to me and how wonderfully true it is. How often do we pray for a certain result and sometimes seemly quite the opposite happens.

~~~And we are perplexed.

~~~And yet, we discover, to our amazement, that our prayers were answered exactly as they should have been.

~~~Isn't God good.

May the Lord our God bless our dear soldiers, comfort them, and hear their every prayer, and answer as only He can.

And most especially, this mother's soldier.

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24


(Photo by Debra at a nearby lake)