In what ways can we encourage others to "lift up their hearts" to God? The Call to Lift Our Hearts “Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” — Lamentations 3:41 The prophet’s invitation is simple and direct: our inner life and our outward actions both belong before the throne. When we help others answer this call, we lead them into the joy and security of God’s presence. Recognizing God’s Worthiness • Share Scriptures that spotlight who He is. — Psalm 25:1: “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.” — Psalm 34:1: “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” • Tell personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness; real stories anchor truth in the heart. • Highlight His unchanging character—holiness, love, sovereignty—so that lifting the heart feels like the only fitting response. Modeling Heart-Lifting Worship • Let them see you delight in the Lord, not out of duty but affection. • Sing openly, read Scripture aloud, and express gratitude in everyday conversation. • Consistency matters: what we practice privately eventually encourages publicly. Speaking God’s Word • Keep verses ready that breathe encouragement. — Hebrews 10:24: “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” — Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you…” • Text or write Scripture notes; the living Word softens hearts and turns eyes upward. • When counseling, let the Bible form the backbone of every exhortation. Cultivating Thankfulness • Invite them to list daily evidences of grace—no moment too small. • Celebrate answered prayers together; rejoicing multiplies faith. • Link gratitude to God’s character so praise rises naturally. Serving Others in Love • Acts of service mirror Christ’s heart and awaken worship in onlookers. • Offer practical help—meals, rides, childcare—while openly crediting God for the strength to serve. • Point out how their own service opportunities can become altars of praise. Creating Atmospheres of Praise • Play Scripture-saturated music in homes and gatherings. • Open meetings with a short reading from Psalms or a hymn focused on God’s greatness. • Encourage spontaneous testimonies; fresh praise stirs dormant hearts. Standing with Them in Trials • Be present. Quiet companionship often speaks louder than explanations. • Pray aloud, anchoring every request in promises like Philippians 4:6–7. • Remind them that lament and trust coexist (see Lamentations 3 entire); honest tears can still lift a heart heavenward. Reminding of Christ’s Finished Work • Center conversations on the cross and empty tomb—the ultimate reason to lift hearts. • Stress that acceptance before God is secured by Jesus, not fluctuating feelings. • Use passages such as 1 Peter 2:24 and Romans 8:1 to reinforce assurance. Praying With and For Them • Invite them into short, Scripture-guided prayer times. • Use “we” language: “Lord, we lift our hearts…”—shared prayer builds unity. • Follow up later, letting them know you kept praying; perseverance communicates love. Encouragement in Community • Gather regularly, even informally—coffee tables can become sanctuaries. • Practice Ephesians 5:19: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” • See church not as an event but a family where heart-lifting is the normal culture. Living Expectantly God delights when His people lift their hearts to Him. By anchoring others in Scripture, modeling authentic worship, and walking alongside them in both joy and sorrow, we help them turn upward—and discover anew that “the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases” (Lamentations 3:22). |
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