I asked God to take away my pride, and God said "No".
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give it up.

I asked God to grant me patience, and God said "No".
He said, "Patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned."
 

I asked God to give me happiness, and God said "No".
He said He gives me blessings, happiness is up to me.
 

I asked God to spare me pain, and God said "No".
He said, "Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me".
 

I asked God to make my spirit grow, and God said "No".
He said I must grow on my own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.
 

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life, and God said "No".
He said, "I will give you life, that you may enjoy all things".