I have been acquainted with this “prayer” for some time. If I knew it was credited to a Confederate soldier, then I had forgotten it. What becomes crystal clear is that God’s ways are not our ways. We may be mistaken about our “unanswered” prayers, not realizing that God has answered them in what is best for us.

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 [people].
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 had asked for,
but everything that I had hoped for. 

Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered,
I am, among all men [people], most richly blessed.