How Do You Pray For Patience?

Lately, I've been praying for patience, compassion, and strength as I move into a new phase of being caretaker for my mother. My daughter has told me I am praying for the wrong things. It appears God has answered my prayers by presenting situations in which I must practice, "patience, compassion, and strength." Maybe that's not a bad thing. I'm learning. But, I'd like to have less opportunities to learn.