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What did I pray for?

Director’s Reflection

Dear Companions on the Journey,

From an unknown author…followed by a known author:

I PRAYED FOR strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might obey.

I prayed for health that I might do great things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I prayed for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I prayed for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I prayed for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I received nothing that I asked for—all that I hoped for;
My prayers were answered—I am most blessed.

Thomas Aquinas has a way of saying something similar: 

GIVE US, O LORD, STEADFAST HEARTS, which no unworthy thoughts can drag down; unconquered hearts, which no tribulation can wear out; upright hearts, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.  Amen.

What do you think?

And let us pray for/with one another.
Michael
The Paulist Center