Stretching exercises for the mind and soul, or, A preface to prayer

Dear God, please help me to quiet my heart before you. You are a God of order; please help me to organize my thoughts so my prayer will be well-pleasing to you. I realize your supreme love, goodness, and kindness in wanting me to tell you my cares, and in your listening to my prayers and petitions, and answering according to what is best for me. Thank you for speaking to me through your word, and for the Holy Spirit's applying your word to my heart. I am in awe that you were the ruler of all before there was anything to rule. Thank you for creating man, and giving us life, and providing a way of salvation when we first sinned against you. Thank you for loving us so much, and for the joy your salvation brings. Sometimes I lose that joy, and so I ask that you would restore it to me. Thank you for all the extra blessings youv'e given me-family, friends, home. Please help me to be a good and grateful steward.