The example of Jesus and the testimony of lovers of Christ throughout the centuries points us to early morning prayer as decisively important… First, it signals to our conscience that this is of first importance in the day. Second, it strikes the first blow in the battle of the day, instead of waiting till we are besieged from all sides. Third, what we do daily and do early shapes the spirit of our minds and brings us into a disposition of humility and trust that will bear better fruit than anxiety or self-reliance. Fourth, since beginning the day with the Word of God is crucial, prayer is equally crucial since the Word will not open its best wonders to us without prayer (Psm. 119:18). Fifth, it is uncanny how Satan can use even good things to squeeze prayer out of our schedule if we miss the early-morning hour. I have seen it again and again. If I say to myself, “I will give some time to prayer later,” it generally does not happen.

John Piper

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Grains, Dairy		Cakes, Desserts	16	Servings

INGREDIENTS

3	c	All-purpose flour
2	c	Sugar
1/4	c	Poppy seeds
1	c	Softened butter
1	c	Buttermilk
4		Egs
1/2	ts	Baking soda
1/2	ts	Baking powder
1/2	ts	Salt
4	ts	Grated fresh lemon rind
1/2	ts	Vanilla extract
1	c	Confectioners' sugar
2	tb	Lemon juice (up to 3 tb)

INSTRUCTIONS

GLAZE
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or 12 cup
Bundt pan.  In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds,
butter, buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, baking powder, salt, lemon rind and
vanilla.  Beat on low speed of electric mixer until ingredients are
moistened.  Then, beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until
ingredients are well combined and mixture lightens and is smooth. Pour
batter into prepared pan and bake 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick
inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then invert
onto rack to cool 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, make glaze by mixing lemon juice
and confectioners' sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle over cooled cake and
serve.
349.9 calories, 14 g fat, 5 g protein, 52.1 g carbohydrates, 84 mg
cholesterol, 266 mg sodium.
From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini

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