Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Acts 1:24
Heavenly Father, there are so many things attributed to you in the Scriptures that, clearly, aren’t our domain. “Heart-knowing” is one of them. We often speak of being drawn to someone’s heart; or of being offended, confused, or shut out from their heart. But only you really know what’s going on in each of our hearts.
That’s why we pray with humility today, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Ps. 139:23). For we cannot trust our own diagnosis—of ourselves, or anyone else. Only you can heal, free, and transform us.
Often we think more highly of ourselves than we ought—ignoring reality and honest feedback. Other times we think too lowly of ourselves, falling into shame and contempt, living like strangers to your mercy, grace., and love.
Quite honestly, we think about ourselves too much—a preoccupation that leads to the paralysis of analysis, and the sinkhole of comparison. Perhaps worse, we assume we know what’s going on in other people’s hearts—playing prosecuting attorney, judge, jury, and. executioner. Forgive us, Father.
But here’s the really good news. Through Jesus, you sprinkled clean water on us and have declared us to be clean. You cleansed us from our impurities and are freeing us from our idols. Hallelujah!
You gave us a new heart and placed your Spirit within us. You removed our stony hearts and gave us hearts of flesh—hearts that beat for you and your glory (Ezek. 36:24–27). Thank you Father. What a generous and powerful God you are.
We are so grateful you will complete the gospel-work you began in each of us. (Phil. 1:6). We justified-sinners are destined to be your glorified-children (Rom. 8:30). Thank you, Father. Until then, help us walk in greater humility before you, and in tangible kindness toward one another. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ loving and heart-transforming name.
