A Prayer Poem by John Hazon Palen

I asked God for strength, that I
...might achieve
I was made weak, that I might learn
...humbly to obey...

I asked for help, 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 hoped for
Almost despite myself, my unspoken
...prayer were answered
I am among all men, most richly
...blessed!

(I have chosen to submit this poem which I have read from a pocketbook
long ago so as to have something to remind me, as well as those who visits my page, always about how blessed we people are! ; ') God bless, everyone!)