April 14
Early Morning Joy
Until now, you have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive that your joy may be full.
John 16:24 (NKJV)
This morning was beautiful in more ways than one. I filled my cup at the espresso machine then turned to the kitchen window. As I lifted the hot beverage to my lips, I took in the pure pleasures of a new day. The heavens, which had been pitch black, were now a work of art—a huge, glowing portion of God’s creative masterpiece.
The sky was inverted, at least it looked inverted. I saw a bright blue sea, so delicious I wanted to swim in it. Instead, I admired clouds turned into sailing ships. As I stood gazing at my ships, magically, they turned from early morning pink to gold and purple then to pure white. Umm.... espresso and sunrises. What a great combination! I loved that moment, and now I feel so alive.
Before the espresso, before the kitchen window, I spent the early morning in prayer—I tell you this not to brag or draw attention but to share my heart. For me there is no greater joy than to rise early and pray. Is that surprising?
As I stared out the window, I reflected how my prayers have changed over the years. I have gone from praying over a long list to praying from a full heart. I pray with great intensity for family and friends, adults and children, the healthy and the sick. Sometimes deep emotions are stirred. Occasionally, it is too much and I have to rise and clean up my face before I go on, but always ... there is joy.
Lately, I’ve prayed for our enemies as well ... that God would bring the true message of Jesus Christ to them and turn their hearts in a good direction. That will be an incredible thing; but for now I am happy to pray, to watch another sunrise, to enjoy life as He gives it ... and a wonderful cup of espresso!
Lord, reveal to us the power of prayer. Touch hearts and lives for Your Kingdom. Amen.
Early Morning Joy
Until now, you have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive that your joy may be full.
John 16:24 (NKJV)
This morning was beautiful in more ways than one. I filled my cup at the espresso machine then turned to the kitchen window. As I lifted the hot beverage to my lips, I took in the pure pleasures of a new day. The heavens, which had been pitch black, were now a work of art—a huge, glowing portion of God’s creative masterpiece.
The sky was inverted, at least it looked inverted. I saw a bright blue sea, so delicious I wanted to swim in it. Instead, I admired clouds turned into sailing ships. As I stood gazing at my ships, magically, they turned from early morning pink to gold and purple then to pure white. Umm.... espresso and sunrises. What a great combination! I loved that moment, and now I feel so alive.
Before the espresso, before the kitchen window, I spent the early morning in prayer—I tell you this not to brag or draw attention but to share my heart. For me there is no greater joy than to rise early and pray. Is that surprising?
As I stared out the window, I reflected how my prayers have changed over the years. I have gone from praying over a long list to praying from a full heart. I pray with great intensity for family and friends, adults and children, the healthy and the sick. Sometimes deep emotions are stirred. Occasionally, it is too much and I have to rise and clean up my face before I go on, but always ... there is joy.
Lately, I’ve prayed for our enemies as well ... that God would bring the true message of Jesus Christ to them and turn their hearts in a good direction. That will be an incredible thing; but for now I am happy to pray, to watch another sunrise, to enjoy life as He gives it ... and a wonderful cup of espresso!
Lord, reveal to us the power of prayer. Touch hearts and lives for Your Kingdom. Amen.
posted by Craig Soderquist at 9:09 AM
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