Answered Prayers

Have you ever prayed for something you wanted so badly, only to discover later that it may not have been the best thing for you? At the time, we may not understand why a prayer seems to go unanswered. Yet, as life unfolds, we sometimes look back and realize there was a reason things did not happen the way we had hoped.

We may think that more money, greater success, recognition, or even having everything we desire will bring happiness. But without peace of mind and contentment, these things can leave us feeling just as unsettled as before. What we think will make us happy is not always what brings lasting peace.

In Answered Prayers, Ella Wheeler Wilcox shares this lesson through her own thoughtful words. The poem reminds us that sometimes the greatest answer to prayer is not receiving everything we ask for, but gaining the wisdom, strength, and peace to appreciate what truly matters.

When our prayers are not answered in the way we expect, faith asks us to trust God even when we do not understand. In time, we may discover that what we once considered an unanswered prayer was guiding us toward something we needed far more.

Great peace fell on me also, and great strength — Oh, had that prayer been first! Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Updated September 30, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Answered Prayers

Poet: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I prayed for riches, and achieved success;
All that I touched turned into gold. Alas!
My cares were greater and my peace was less,
When that wish came to pass.

I prayed for glory, and I heard my name
Sung by sweet children and by hoary men.
But ah! the hurts—the hurts that come with fame
I was not happy then.

I prayed for Love, and had my heart’s desire.
Through quivering heart and body, and through brain
There swept the flame of its devouring fire,
And but 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!

Key Reflections In This Poem

What We Want May Not Bring Happiness
We often believe that getting what we want will make life better, but this poem reminds us that success, recognition, and other desires do not guarantee happiness. Sometimes receiving what we wished for teaches us that our greatest needs are found elsewhere.
Contentment Brings A Different Kind Of Wealth
After seeking riches, fame, and love, the poet discovers the value of a contented mind. Peace within ourselves can give us something that money, recognition, and possessions cannot provide.
Trust God When You Do Not Understand
We may not always understand why a prayer is answered differently than we hoped. Faith reminds us to trust that God sees what we cannot see and to ask for the wisdom and strength to accept His direction.

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Conclusion

Answered Prayers gives us much to think about when we consider the things we ask for in life. Riches, recognition, and even the desires closest to our hearts may not bring the happiness we imagined. Sometimes it takes receiving what we thought we wanted to understand what we truly needed.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful prayers we can offer is for wisdom, contentment, and peace of mind. When a prayer seems unanswered, continue to have faith and trust God's timing. We may not understand His answer today, but there may come a day when we look back and realize that His answer was exactly what we needed.

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