Richly Blessed

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 asked for -
  but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
  my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am... most richly blessed.

Quoted in 'Embracing the Love of God' by James Bryan Smith.
A prayer thought to have been written by a Confederate soldier in the American Civil War.

Franciscan Blessing

May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen

May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen

May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen

May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen