I asked God for Strength and A Creed for Those Who Have Suffered

I Asked God for Strength

by (Anonymous)

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
He gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for health, that I might do great things;
He gave me infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
He gave me poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
He gave me weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for everything, that I might enjoy life;
He gave me life, so that I might enjoy everything.

I received nothing I asked for—
I received everything I needed.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayer was answered;
I am, among all people, most richly blessed.

 

A Creed for Those Who Have Suffered

by Howard Thurman

I affirm my faith that God is the God of life,
that God creates and sustains the universe by the outpouring of energy;
that God’s life is mine, and my life is God’s.

I affirm my faith that God is the God of truth,
that the truth of God has been disclosed in Jesus of Nazareth,
that it is the truth that makes me free.

I affirm my faith that God is the God of love,
that love is the essential energy of life,
that love makes all things new.

I affirm my faith that God is the God of hope,
that God keeps faith with the future,
that hope will not disappoint.