I read the sweetest blog this morning, and it reminded me how often I need to be reminded of the power of prayer. I was born into a religious family, and we always had a prayer as a family at each meal and before retiring to bed. However, my own prayers as a young woman were not always fervent, or deeply personal. Sometimes I fell into the habit of saying the same things each day, adding a new petition here or there, but not truly connecting with my Father in Heaven.

When challenges came along, my prayers started to have more meaning. When I had nowhere else to turn, I finally remembered to turn to God. And He was always there. His answers weren’t always what I had asked for – in fact, more often than not, a very different answer was given. The first time I read following poem by an unknown Confederate soldier, I felt in many ways I could empathize with his experience with prayer:

The Blessing of Unanswered Prayers
I asked 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 had asked for,
but eveything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

I, too, feel “most richly blessed”, even though my life has turned out to be very different than what I had planned or hoped for. Now, looking back, I am finally beginning to see some of what God has been trying to do for me as He has lifted me, carried me and led me through trials and challenges. And I have to admit that the times when I was praying most fervently- and submissively –  are the times I felt Him nearest, and the times when I could humbly receive the blessings He was offering me.

Roslyn Geertsen

Roslyn Reynolds Geertsen became a widow in 2006 when her husband drowned on a family outing. As she sought her own healing, she interviewed widows from across the United States and in England, asking them how they survived their loss. Using their answers and all she learned in her own journey through grief, she has written a book, SOLO - Getting It All Together When You Find Yourself Alone (available at Barnes and Noble and on Amazon) and produced several CDs to help people as they move through the grieving process. Her website (www.heartbreaktohealing.com) offers practical tips for making it through that process, and helps for building a new life. Roslyn is now a writer, speaker and mentor, helping people find hope and healing after tragedy.

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