A Beautiful Prayer

A Beautiful Prayer
by Joanne Gobure

I asked God to take away my habit.

God said, No.

It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, No.

His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No.

Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;

It isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No.

I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares

And brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No.

You must grow on your own!

But I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, No.

I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me love others, as much as He loves me.

God said... Ah, finally you have the idea.

This day is yours! Don't throw it away!

To the world you might be one person,

But to one person you just might be the world.