I asked God to take away my pride. 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. Her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary.”
I asked God to grant me patience. God said,
“No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is earned.”
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 for all things that I might enjoy life. God said,
“No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me love others, as much as God loves me. God said….
“Ahhhh, finally you have the idea!”
Someone accurately said that maturity in prayer occurs when we are able to move from the plea, “Give me…” to the deeper prayer, “Use me.”
