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The Empty Plate


In the quiet, I solemnly lift my hands to present an offering of praise... my heart is full and it's my deepest desire to bless you. So, with tears in my eyes and in all sincerity I announce my intentions and simply say "I praise you Lord" and I stop there. In all of your majesty, descending from on high to meet my humbled spirit to receive the offering, you honor me to come. But then...
 as the powerful presence of your spirit fills the room to my hearts joy ... you pause. And with a voice filled with loving tenderness, you speak softly "but my precious child, the plate is empty".

Suddenly, I'm aware of my mistake and quickly move to fill the plate of my offering, to render the feast of your heart's desire and I speak again with deep conviction "Lord God Of All That Is, I praise you with these truths from my heart as I declare that you are the Lord God of all righteousness, the author of all that is truly good. You're greatness is immeasurable. Your mercy and grace to us are undeserved and unending and we are humbled Lord by them. There is none to compare to you Lord, none to even begin to compare to the shadow of your greatness! You stand alone as the omnipotent God of all that is and your love for us is unfathomable. We exalt you forever as our God and King. Power, strength, glory, honor and praise be to your name forever!"

My statement that "I praise you" is a statement of my action - the word praise is a verb, but carrying out my statement fills the plate of my offering with the sweet rendering of my heart and begins to satisfy the all deserving palate of my Lord. So, forgive me Lord, for the times I have failed your righteous appetite and offered you... the empty plate.


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