Whenever I get to study God’s Word in depth, it almost always leads to conviction, and I mean that in the best possible way. The Bible is God’s standard for Holy living, and when we choose to expose ourselves to its teaching and submit ourselves to its authority, we see ourselves in light of God’s perfection, and it should bring us to our knees—not in condemnation or shame but in conviction and repentance.
After a full month of studying the pure in heart, I recognize my need for a pure heart more than ever before, and I want to pursue after it with all that is within me. I want to see God, not just face to face one day when I get to Heaven, but I want to see Him here and now, today, at work all around me, in and through His people. I want to see His reflection in and through me. Don’t you?
This week, I’d like to lead us in a time of prayer as we near the end of another blog series together. What I’ve done below is what I like to call praying God’s Word. I’ve gathered Scriptures from all over the Bible that speak to this idea of being pure in heart, and I’ve put them into a prayer, a prayer for me and a prayer for you. I encourage you to find a quiet place, get down on your knees if you can, and read these words out loud. Spend some time in prayer pursuing after a pure heart. I can promise you this: your pursuit will most definitely lead you to the heart of Jesus, and friends, there simply is no greater joy!
Father God,
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105) It has shed light on the impurity in my heart, and I am in need of your forgiveness. (Psalm 51:1-2) Your Word tells me that my heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9), which means that my emotions lie to me, causing me to believe the lie that your way is too hard for me to follow. Your Word also tells me, though, that your commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3) but rather, they are for my good. To love you is to obey you, and you desire that I have a pure heart (Matthew 5:8), first toward You and secondly, toward others. When I forget in my waywardness, remind me that there is no one like you, none that can satisfy my heart like you do. (Isaiah 46:9) Jesus, help me to forgive others, just as you have forgiven me. (Ephesians 4:32) Teach me what it means and what it looks like to live at peace with everyone and to be holy, because without this, no one will see you, God. (Hebrews 12:14) Help me to think about and dwell on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8), because I now know that my thoughts quickly become my words, and I want the words of my mouth to please you. (Psalm 19:14) Thank you for reminding me once again that while man looks at the outward appearance, you, Jesus, look at my heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) Because my heart matters so much to you, help me to guard my heart against temptation that would corrupt it, (Proverbs 4:23) and when temptation comes, and I can’t remember how to overcome it, remind me that I can stay on the path of purity by living according to your Word. (Psalm 119:9) Jesus, you are everything to me. Help me to live like it. Give me a pure heart, O God, because I want to see you. (Matthew 5:8)
Alright, now it’s your turn. Grab something to write with and something to write on, and journal a prayer of your own, asking the Lord to give you a pure heart, a heart that is undivided, a heart that is right with God and with others. Blessing awaits you, my friends.
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