Based on “Dandy Lines” by tvvoodoo at stock.XCHANG. I asked 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 had asked for,
but eveything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.(unknown Confederate soldier)
Amazing to think that unanswered prayers can bless us — but I really do believe they do, more often than we realize. This is a lovely post for today, and most encouraging!
In the busyiness of this season, this is a nice respite. I enjoyed last year’s Advent calendar and appreciate that you take the time to provide this treat.
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 had 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.
That part I love….
The first part, I don’t know. How does a loving God send weakness, illness, and poverty as a lesson? I could not make a child ill or lame or dead to bring the parents wisdom, or use war or poverty or a plague as a teaching tool; it seems to high a price for any truth. If God is kinder and wiser that I, how could he?
mk
Would an all-powerful, all-knowing God be loving in the way we understand “love”? I don’t think weakness and death have the same meaning for an eternal power as those things have for us.
Much of what is mentioned in that prayer is caused by free will – poverty and war, for example. The structure of our society and economy is created by ourselves. So are wars.
Illness and weakness are part of mortality.
Why did God not create us perfect and immortal?
Another question (borrowed from): Can there be perfection? If everything were perfect, would we be able to recognize ‘perfect’?
I keep trying to believe that things happen for a reason. That demanding, gruelling and scarring experiences challenge me to grow, to learn something. When I look back after some time has passed, this turns out true most of the time. Unfortunately, while I’m stuck in the learning process, I cannot see that.
This prayer is a good reminder. 🙂
We tend to lose sight of what it was supposed to be about, don’t we? *sigh*
A wonderful writing, but you realize that there is no such thing as unanswered prayer; sometimes the answer is just no, but we either do not hear it, or choose to ignore it.
Thank you for your efforts. Know that they are greatly appreciated, as is the love behind them.
Muchas gracias, mi amiga.
Very encouraging. Thanks!