Prayer by an Unknown Confederate Soldier

The pray-er of this now-famous prayer might be unknown; but the truth of its content, many of us must be quite familiar with. At least I know I am.

That’s Anyele, my dear wife. She’s the best for me, for sure! She’s an answer to prayers prayed and those I didn’t even know to ask! “Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all people, most richly blessed.”

“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 others, I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for 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 that I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all people, most richly blessed.”

Prayer by an unknown Confederate Soldier.

About The Author

Dr. Yaw Perbi

Dr. Yaw Perbi is a Ghanaian-Canadian medical doctor and serial entrepreneur with three decades of executive leadership experience spanning medical, military, missional, media, ministerial, multinational and multilateral organizations. For eight years Yaw was President & CEO of a Canadian non-profit in the international education space. Dr. Perbi has served in over 50 countries in-person, on all continents, and has been the toast of media groups worldwide ranging from the BBC and CBC through CNN to the National Press Club (Washington DC). Yaw is the Founder and Principal at PELÉ. As an Executive Coach, few things thrill his heart than seeing C-level executives grow in authenticity, succeeding in life and leadership, and attaining lasting significance in society.