Awaken The Dawn

Deep Personal Satisfaction, Joy and Power

We are to converse with God about people, things, and situations (some of which may be very troubling). Our requests, however, are to be cast in the incense cloud of thankfulness. Our expression must not be a perfunctory “thank you Jesus.” Thankfulness is not born out of hyste- ria, but in a heart that contemplates on the ways of the Almighty. Time in His presence, bathing in His love, shar- ing His secrets—these things affect our hearts and the productiveness of our prayers. This kind of praying requires at least a little time; hence, it is a plant that grows best in the climate of early morning prayer. A kind, grateful child is such a pleasure to his parent. A higher form of love is evoked when the bonding element is thankfulness. Since God looks with loving gratitude on His creation and people, He is particularly pleased when each of us bring our prayers into His perspective. Have you ever contemplated what would get your prayers answered fastest? I know this is not true, but it makes my point. Imagine our prayers as phone calls being handled by heaven’s switchboard. Every caller is like a small light on the darkened planet Earth. There are thousands of lit- tle lights throughout the world. Which calls will receive immediate attention? I have no Scripture to back this up, but it seems to me that prayers connected with thanksgiv- ing are so rare and so special, they are given priority sta- tus in heaven. What a change this secret has made in my life. Try it, I think you will notice an immediate difference. Incidentally, those ministers who used to be thorns to me? They are now my best friends and we pray together regularly! Secret #7. Verbalize Your Prayer. You will not find quiet prayer mentioned very much in the Bible. When I first 79