What Are You Really Praying For?

I think when we pray for certain character traits -- like patience or humility or courage or contentment or faith -- we think we are asking God for a supernatural infusion.  One that is painless, easy and convenient.  But it has generally, been my experience that God declines to miraculously provide these characteristics and instead provides us with opportunities to develop stronger virtues.  And for some reason we are not nearly as happy with that....go figure.