Prayer of the Unknown Confederate Soldier

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly 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 men, most richly blessed.


At the end of the U.S. Civil War, this prayer was found folded in the pocket of a

Confederate Soldier.