Awaken The Dawn

AWAKEN THE DAWN!

Jerusalem is indeed a praying city. Jews, Christians, and Moslems all carry on an intense prayer ministry in this sacred place. Many American Christians have not yet learned what Islamic followers have known for centuries: religious conviction is maintained and heightened by periodic fasting and daily fervent prayer. I cannot explain the feeling that develops in someone who regularly devotes the early morning to prayer. The joy and power of meeting the Lord in the early hours of dawn is so profound that its aura lingers throughout the day. It is a feeling of confidence, assurance, and of great dependence. I certainly do not mean to cast a critical eye on those who pray less frequently; I only wish to share my deep, personal satisfaction and a sincere desire to see everyone experience the joy of God’s presence. I remember so well the magnetic power in the TV mes- sages of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. An awed young minister asked the bishop why he had so much more power in his ministry while he himself had so little. The response was tender and compassionate, but still unwaveringly firm: “If you would spend two hours each day in prayer as I do, you would also have power!” This morning, as I returned from praying at our church sanctuary, the sun was breaking over the eastern foothills of San Jose, California. At that moment, I felt as I did in Jerusalem: I was deeply satisfied that I had already given the day to God. I had awakened the dawn! Henceforth, I go with the “sun [Son] of righteousness” beaming down His shafts of blessings upon my life.

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