“The RoseBouquet”

I’m finding new value in affirming every morning as I begin my prayer time, who God is, and how He has proven His love for me in sending Jesus. I repeat my position in Him. This has recently become my staring point for worship. It lays a foundation so when I start praying about other things and other people my faith is fresh and at the ready, to believe God will answer my prayers.

It’s not that God needs to be reminded. It’s easy to say or think, “Oh, I already know this is true. It hasn’t changed from yesterday, so why go over and over it?” So if God knows, and you or I remember this, then why bother?

Simply because we are human and although our mind may know certain things are true, our heart or emotional base tends to forget when over-crowded with many other things. Our sub-conscience needs to be saturated with this wonderful truth.

Of course, when it gets to be dull rote repetition, then the usefulness is gone. But it is our attitude that must change, not the repetition of the truth.

If you’re floundering with anxiety and questions and doubts start affirming what you do believe about God. Slowly it will sink in to your sub-conscious spirit, and gradually it will really believe these profound eternal truths about God. When it really takes hold you’ll notice a different mind-set and attitude welling up from within you.

I’m speaking here from personal experience and not scientific studies. I only know that whereas I used to pray fretfully and urgently as if I needed to persuade God to spare me a favour or two, (and I often felt I was more effective at praying for others rather than myself), I am now finding that I have greater confidence in God’s love and power in my life. I spend more time thanking Him for all the little evidences of His help in my life, rather than pleading - or, yes, even whining like a helpless toddler.

Just last night in a group of Christians discussing the work and future of a mission, I noticed that while others saw change as a possible end to our work, in my heart I saw it as coming to the brink of miracles and exciting new direction God must have in mind for us. Suddenly I recognized that I used to think like they did.

Another relative was expressing anxiety about a decision to confront someone about an old wrong. He wondered if he should go to court over it. My first reaction was, “Oh no! Just turn the matter over to the Lord. He will work perfect vengeance for you, and you don’t have to lift a finger to do that! God is more than big enough and loving enough to keep His word!”

Again it came to me that I had a different mindset exactly because I take time in the morning to tell God what a wonderful Creator-God, and Father-God He is. What a marvelous plan of salvation He had in sending Jesus to die for us. But better still, that He raised His Son up to new life, so we could share it with Jesus through the gift of His Holy Spirit.

I don’t use exactly the same words every morning, but ad lib until I have praised God for those key truths. Only then am I ready to start making requests for situations and problems and people in my life today, that I am aware need a touch from our Awesome and Marvelous God.

You don’t have to restrict this just to your first prayer time of the day. Start every prayer with a few words of thanksgiving and reminding God (as well as yourself), that you believe in Him and are ready to obey.

To read sample chapters of my first book online, start at The Book’s beginning

To order the e-book to download and read on your computer; go to the order page
(or if you email me, we can make a deal and I’ll send it to you on CD).

To order the softcover paperback from Booklocker use; my Booklocker page