I prayed for riches and achieved success, All that I touched turned into gold. Alas!My cares were greater, and my peace was lessWhen that wish came to pass. I prayed for glory; and heard my nameSung by sweet children and by hoary men.But ah! the hurts, the hurts that came with fame!I was not happy then. I prayed for love, and had my soul's desire,Through quivering heart and body and through brainThere swept the flame of its devouring fire;And there the scars remain. I prayed for a contented mind. At length Great light upon my darkened spirit burst,Great peace fell on me, also, and great strength.Oh! had that prayer been first!

Summary

This quote reflects the speaker's experience of different prayer requests and their outcomes. Initially, they prayed for riches and achieved success, only to discover that it brought them more cares and less peace. Then, they prayed for glory and received recognition, but it came with hurts and did not bring happiness. Similarly, when praying for love, they obtained it but were left with scars from the fiery passion. Finally, they prayed for a contented mind, and this brought them enlightenment, peace, and strength. The quote highlights the speaker's realization that their last prayer for contentment should have been their initial focus.

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