A Prayer for Adversity - (from sermon series: Why?)

 

 

“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 that I asked for,

but everything I hoped for.

Almost despite myself,

my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men,

most richly blessed.”

 

 

Source: Adlai Stevenson sent this prayer as his Christmas card after he was defeated by Eisenhower.

One of the people who received the Christmas card was the famed Dr. Howard Rusk, founder of the "Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine" in New York City.

Rusk had the prayer, which was then known as "The Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier," placed in bronze and entitled it "A Creed for the Disabled." This creed has supposily been in the lobby of the Rusk Institute for over thirty years.

 

Comments

[Angelakwilliams.blogspot.com]

I am glad that you are doing this sermon series. It is good to tackle the hard questions. It is good to remember that God is not a celestial Santa Claus who just brings us what we ask for if we have been good. Too many people relate being good to answered prayer or sin to unanswered prayer. It isn't always such a direct relationship.