His unspoken prayers

Prayer

Do you pray for your hearts desires, a Confederate often did, and this is what he learned.

“I asked God for strength, that I might achieve; I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.  I asked God 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 had hoped for.  Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.  I am among men, most richly blessed.”

His unspoken prayers were answered, I like him have been richly blessed, not with wealth, nor with the praises of people, but with a clear understanding of who I am, and the understanding that God has adopted me into His family.  Not because I’m righteous, or even do good for I now understand what my friend T.W. Hunt meant when he said, “Bob, I’m a wretched man.”  My righteousness is found in Jesus the Christ, and any act of goodness is from the Holy Spirit that indwells my earth suit.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice