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 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!
— Prayer of a unknown Confederate soldier
found in the churchyard of a cemetery in South Carolina.
