A Pure Heart

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

When we pray, what do we ask for? We ask for all kinds of things. Some of them are self serving. Some are more spiritual prayers. I found the top 10 things people pray for most. They are:

• Health and healing
• Family protection and wellbeing
• Guidance for life decisions
• Financial provision and job stability
• Relief from anxiety, stress, or fear
• Forgiveness and spiritual growth
• Strength during suffering or crisis
• Relationship restoration
• Protection from danger or uncertainty
• Gratitude and thanksgiving

These are honorable things to pray for. But the one thing we should all be praying for isn’t on the top 10 list. The number one thing we should be praying for is a pure heart, followed by a steadfast spirit. Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33). I think of this as being similar to praying for a pure heart and a steadfast spirit.

So, what is a pure heart?  A pure heart is marked by transparency and an uncompromising desire to please God in all things. It is more than an external purity of behavior; it is an internal purity of soul. The only way we can be truly pure in heart is to give our lives to Jesus and ask Him to do the cleansing work. A pure heart is what we should be praying for. I’m not saying don't pray for the other things. They are legitimate concerns and requests. But a pure heart should top the list. As followers of Jesus we are to be imitators of Him. We strive to be more like our Lord and savior. In order to be imitators of Jesus we need to be praying for a pure heart.

Along with a pure heart, we should be praying for a steadfast spirit. In a world filled with shifting values and changing circumstances, the concept of steadfastness stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment and resilience. The Bible, a timeless source of wisdom and inspiration, is replete with examples of individuals who demonstrated remarkable steadfastness in the face of adversity, doubt, and temptation. The recent controversy in MLB involving some players writing Bible verses on their PRIDE hats they were forced to wear against their beliefs is a modern example of a steadfast spirit. A steadfast spirit stays true to our beliefs. It’s standing up, not giving in to the current culture that goes against our Christian beliefs. Regardless of the attacks we stay the course. We don’t bow to the pressures of society.

The two things we pray for less are the things we should be praying for the most. How would our lives look if we started praying for a pure heart and a steadfast spirit? I say we find out. Today, we can start praying with the psalmist in praying for a pure heart and a steadfast spirit.