Scott Fillmer

I love this short prayer below. I came across it this morning looking for some files from about fifteen years ago, and I am sure many have read this poem before. The author is only listed as “unknown Confederate Soldier” (here), so it comes from a few years back, but it is still worthy of circulation today.  We can still call on His name today in the 21st century and He will “most richly bless” us.

The Prayer

“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 men. “I was given weakness that I might feel the need of 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 I had hoped for. “Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. “I am, among all men, most richly blessed.”

I am, among men, most richly blessed… if only because of You, Lord. Amen.

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We all know that living a life of discipline is important for many reasons, but this topic is not something traditionally touched on Sunday mornings, how learning to live a life of spiritual discipline is just as important in the Christian walk.  Often we think we can only worship on Sunday in the church building, or only pray when we get on our knees and fold our hands.  That is a slight over exaggeration but we know that scripture says in 1 Thess 5:17 to pray without ceasing, so how can we do that if we only participate in prayer or worship on Sunday mornings?

The photo I shot below was taken on a beach in Orange County California several months ago.  It was almost deserted except for a few surfers and after a long day of work it was a great place to worship and pray while I watched the beauty of God’s day come to an end (other photos from that afternoon of worship are posted in Pacific Coast Sunset in OC // Friday Feet).

I just finished one of the best small books I have read recently called Spiritual Life by Westerhoff, and in his book he explains 6 different ways we go about learning to live a life of spiritual discipline.  Silence and solitude, preparation, writing, reading, and several others are all ways we can experience God’s presence, and in turn grow in our spiritual relationship with Him.  I for one am excited to be able to worship the God who made this sunset, it was an afternoon between me and His presence that I won’t soon forget.

If you would like to read my extended comments on this topic I have made them available in this short essay called Spiritual Formation, Learning to Live a Life of Discipline in a pdf download.  I have a long way to go, but love knowing that I can worship our Lord anywhere, anytime, and he hears my prayer, and he hears yours as well.

Link to pdf Download.

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