In 1834, Scottish clergyman, Robert Murray McCheyne wrote this in his journal:
Rose early to seek God and found Him whom my soul loveth. Who would not rise early to meet such company?
Prayer, to the Christian, should be as natural as the rising and falling of breath. God is worth spending time with. Has that thought crossed your mind? We can spend time and enjoy the company of our Creator? He is accessible. He is not only willing to listen but eager to hear us. And when He hears us He does not remain silent, He answers us back through His Word. It is challenging to note that throughout our day we are eager to get to this email, or that appointment, or eager to not miss that workout. How eager are you to get to God? As soon as we wake up we must push back all the “stuff” of the day that comes rushing in and go to our Father in prayer. There is no better company to start our days with. Indeed through prayer we can, in a sense, always have company over.
I pray you do.
John Wesley had a habit, during the course of his ministry, of rising at 4 a.m. to meet the Lord in prayer and devotion. One pastor I heard one time say, “God favors those who favor Him.” I believe in grace as much as anybody, but that effort to meet God everyday speaks volumes on what one’s priorities are. Jesus said, “watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.” Yes, the flesh is weak but the spirit (and God’s Spirit) is willing. Good habits are hard to form but once in place they can last a lifetime….what better and more blessed habit can there be, then seeking Him while He can be found.
Amen Mike, no better habit indeed!