Prayer of St. Teresa of Calcutta.

 

I asked God to take away my pride, and God said no. He said that pride is not taken away - it is denied. 

I asked God to heal my bedridden daughter. God told me no. Her soul is safe, but her body will still die. 

I asked God to give me patience, and God said no. He said that patience comes as a result of trials - it is not given, but deserved. 

I asked God to give me happiness, and God said no. He said that he gives a blessing, and whether I am happy or not is up to me. 

I asked God to protect me from the pain, and God said no. He said that suffering distracts a person from worldly worries and leads to Him. 

I asked God for my spirit to grow, and God said no. He said that the spirit must grow on its own. 

I asked God to teach me to love all people as He loves me. Finally, the Lord said, you understood that you had to ask.  

I asked for patience, and God sent me trials to harden me.  I asked for wisdom, and God sent me problems to think about.

I asked for courage - and God sent me dangers.  I asked for love - and God sent the unfortunate who needed my help.  

I asked for blessings - and God gave me opportunities. 

I didn't get anything I wanted -  I got everything I needed!  God heard my prayers.