Answered Prayer

I prayed for patience -- and my prayer came true,
For many tasks were given me to do,
Demanding patience I had never known.
Each task completed found my patience grown.

I prayed for character and strength of soul,
Unmindful of the costly, bitter toll;
And there was pain to beat, and there were tears--
And character grown stronger down the years.

I prayed for inward peace of heart and mind
A comfort I could never seem to find
Till life compelled my thoughts to turn to others,
And peace I found in service to my brothers.