on July 8, 2010
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. – Psalm 51:10-12
Prayer Focus:
When was the last time you prayed for a pure heart? We’re not likely to pray that way unless we realize that our heart has been contaminated or corrupted in some way, and that this impurity is causing some serious issues for us. The Psalmist recognized that his sinful actions had been the result of a sinful heart, and he knew that it was important to address the root cause of his actions, not just the symptoms. Jesus taught that it is out of the “heart” that evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony and slander are born. It is a good thing to pray about your heart condition. The Psalmist leads the way once again as he prays, “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” He desires for God to see if there is any impurity or wickedness that needs cleansing. It is a good thing to allow God to do the examining, because our standards of clean and pure are not His standards. Then, our petition should be, “create within me a pure heart.” This is a prayer that God, the Great Creator of new hearts, is eager to answer. If we agree with God about our sin, He may be counted on to forgive our sin, and to purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Having our hearts made pure by His most precious blood that washes us clean, we are then heirs of the promise, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Are you ready to pray for a pure heart? Are you ready to see God?
David discovered that he could not call anyone else higher until he allowed God to do a holy work in himself first. He was aware that a lifestyle of faithfulness in purity that destroys hypocrisy was also important. His prayer shows us that this ongoing faithfulness requires the presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit who establishes the joy of salvation in our lives and a spirit that is willing to overcome the weakness of our flesh. “Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you” (Psalm 51:13).
Thursday:
- Praise God for His ability and desire to create in us a pure heart.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team (in prayer if not in person).
Friday:
- Invite God to search your heart to see what impurity needs to be cleansed.
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: Ryan Hackett, Matt & Becky Hakes (Stephen), Ben & Katie Logan (Caleigh Anne)
Saturday:
- Agree with God that the impurity in your heart is indeed a serious and sinful condition that needs attention.
Sunday:
- Invite God to cleanse your heart and to create a new constitution of purity and holiness within you.
- Join in with our Sunday prayer services to pray for God’s presence and blessing.
Monday:
- Pray that others will see the new heart that God has given to you and that they will earnestly desire the same cleansing and purity.
- Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.
Tuesday:
- Pray that our church will be a faithful people with clean hearts that are led by the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday:
- Pray that we all will come to know purity of heart that results in clean living and joy-filled spirits.
Prayer Challenge: Join with our Thursday night prayer team in desiring victorious joyful living for believers and salvation for unbelievers. Let others see what God is doing in your heart!