Awaken The Dawn

Relationship Takes a Chunk of Time

the power comes from.” Most churches have an all- night prayer meeting on Friday nights that the pastor often attends. 8

One of the greatest advocates of morning prayer is David Y. Cho, pastor of the world’s largest church in Seoul, Korea. His books and ministry pulsate with a powerful conviction about the efficacy prayer. He cautions: “In learning how to pray, we must not be in a hurry.” Further, he says “getting up early every morning helps me to have the time necessary to pray.” 9 Sweet Hour of Prayer Sweet Hour of Prayer , one of the world’s most popular hymns, was written in 1842 by the Reverend William W. Walford who could not see. The blind English clergyman dictated this inspirational poem of prayer. It seems Rev. Walford’s physical impairment was a blessing in disguise, for his words reveal a heart for God and a special insight to the power of prayer. In truth, this hymn has bothered me for years. As a teenager, I played the piano for Sunday School and church services, and this hymn was frequently requested for congregational singing. While on the piano bench, I used to wonder what it would be like to pray for an hour on a daily basis. Now, thank God, I know what Rev. Walford meant, and that great hymn is a living reality in my heart. Please take a moment to read and interact with these well-known words. Then in the following chapter, I will share with you why I think Jesus particularly chose early morning for the time for prayer.

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