A Prayer to Guard Our Hearts and Minds - Your Daily Prayer - October 5

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A Prayer to Guard Our Hearts and Minds
By: Alicia Searl

Bible Reading:
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7

Listen or Read Below:

As a mom of two teens, I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have told them to guard their hearts and minds. Yet, while they quickly retort, “I know, mom,” sadly, their actions tell another story.  

Come to think of it, my actions don’t always align with guarding my heart and mind, either. So, it brings into question what it really means (and looks like) to guard your heart and mind. Is it really easier said than done? Even more, is it something we casually say as Christians but don’t necessarily follow through on?

Well, my fellow believer, let’s dig into God’s Word and discover what it truly means to guard our hearts and minds and why it is so invaluable to our God that we take this action step seriously. 

We find this reference to “guard our heart” in the Old Testament in Proverbs 4:23, as well as “guarding our heart and minds” in the New Testament in Philippians 4:7. There is a deliberate purpose for this. When the Old Testament meets the New Testament, it establishes that the two testaments become one living Word of God. It is proclaiming that our God is omniscient (He is all-knowing), omnipotent (He is all-powerful), and omnipresent (He is everywhere, in every space, place, and time). When we look at His Word this way, it shifts our perspective from us and more to the character and nature of our incredible God.

As we unpack the cross-reference of these Scriptures, it quickly becomes apparent that the emphasis is on the nature of our hearts and the source from which all things flow. The good and the bad, the pure and the evil, the care we provide or neglect we give. If we do not intentionally maintain the posture of our hearts, the temptations of this world will naturally sway us and consume our hearts with deceitfulness, as we are all innately sinful (Jeremiah 17:9). This is a rather bold statement because God is giving us a warning here through King Solomon’s words. 

Then, as we read Philippians 4:6-8, Paul teaches us that we must humbly and graciously give God our hearts through prayer and supplication, and God will guard our hearts and minds through the sanctification of Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:8 commands us to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, noble, lovely, admirable, and right.

We are to set our hearts and minds on the things that honor and please the Lord. While God does the behind-the-scenes work in our hearts, we are called to trust Him, allowing Him to move in our lives to serve a greater purpose. Read Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10, and Romans 8:28 and see more cross references here that remind us that our lives come with a custom plan from a good and faithful Father. 

So, while we may understand why we guard our hearts and minds, how do we actually go about it with humility and faithful obedience? Start by asking yourself three questions as you go about your day:

1. Is this activity pulling me closer or further away from God?
2. Are my current influences and friends encouraging me to grow my faith and helping me focus on what is good, pure, noble, and right?
3. Am I being intentional with my time and nourishing my heart and mind with truth? Or am I falling into patterns that bend my soul toward sinful temptations?

Friend, let’s be “doers” of the Word, and strive to put these teachings into practice as we submit our hearts and minds willingly to a God that is inherent, infinite, sovereign, holy, compassionate, merciful, and so very, very good!

Let’s Pray:

O God,

We come before You with hearts willing to seek Your presence and minds longing to connect with You in the pages of Your precious Word. We humbly ask that You transform us, breathing peace into the places of our lives that need Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Please show favor on us as we go about our daily activities, leading and guiding us to make choices that honor You. Cultivate a rich desire that craves Your truth and draws us to Your loving arms when the world’s snares tempt us and try to sway us away. Grant us faithful friends to do this life with, while holding us accountable for our actions (Proverbs 27:17). We are so very grateful that You are a God that is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. You know each of us intimately and personally, bringing peace when our hearts and minds are troubled, and we cannot thank you enough for being such a loving and caring Father. We pray to be Your faithful and doting children.

We love you. Amen.

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Madam Lead 

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

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