When growing up it wasn't cool to say that you believed in God or that you were religious. I am not sure where I fall on the religious scale but I can't seem to get the below poem out of my head these last few days - remnant from the Christian schooling days.

I OFFERED A PRAYER TO GOD

I asked for strength.
God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom.
God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for prosperity.
God gave me brawn and brain to work.

I asked for courage.
God gave me dangers to overcome.

I asked for patience.
God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.

I asked for love.
God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favors.
God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted.
I received everything I needed.
Today is the last day of your
life........so far.

P.S. I know only the Ganapati Aarti (and Shankar+Devi Aarti)in my mother tongue, my prayers are usually in English.