Topical Bible: The Heart: Pray That It May Be: Inclined to God's Testimonies

◄ The Heart: Pray That It May Be: Inclined to God's Testimonies ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of human emotion, will, and intellect. It is the seat of moral and spiritual life, and its condition is of utmost importance in one's relationship with God. Scripture frequently emphasizes the need for the heart to be inclined towards God's testimonies, which are His laws, decrees, and teachings.

Biblical Foundation

The psalmist's prayer in Psalm 119:36 captures the essence of this desire: "Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetous gain." . This verse highlights the natural tendency of the human heart to stray towards selfish desires and materialism, contrasting it with the divine call to focus on God's Word.

The Nature of the Heart

Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as "deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . This depiction underscores the inherent sinfulness and waywardness of the human heart, necessitating divine intervention for it to be aligned with God's will.

The Role of Prayer

Prayer is a vital means by which believers seek to align their hearts with God's testimonies. Through prayer, individuals express their dependence on God to transform their hearts. In Psalm 51:10, David pleads, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." . This prayer reflects a deep yearning for inner renewal and alignment with God's righteousness.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in inclining the heart towards God's testimonies. Ezekiel 36:26-27 promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." . This transformative work of the Spirit enables believers to desire and follow God's ways.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ exemplifies a heart perfectly inclined to God's testimonies. In John 4:34, He declares, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work." . Christ's life and ministry were marked by complete obedience and submission to the Father's will, serving as the ultimate model for believers.

Practical Implications

Believers are encouraged to regularly examine their hearts and seek God's help in aligning their desires with His Word. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." . This vigilance involves immersing oneself in Scripture, engaging in prayer, and relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Conclusion

The heart's inclination towards God's testimonies is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting the ongoing spiritual journey of believers. Through prayer, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the example of Christ, believers are empowered to cultivate hearts that earnestly seek and adhere to God's divine truths.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:36
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He.
... that he profiteth in grace; what else doth he pray, when he ... [5170] ...If therefore
our heart be not ... whether they have Him, or in order that they may have Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/he.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... in Psalm 119, 11: "Thy word have I laid up in my heart, that I ... such divine agency
and by the help of the Word persevere and pray, that there may be not ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Testimonies of the Ancients in Favor of Eusebius.
... "That saying the same thing with one heart and one ... also rejoice in their triumphs,
and may rest assured ... confessor and priest, bring us, we pray thee, through ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/testimonies of the ancients in.htm

Matt. xiv. 13
... Mark also saith, "They understood not the saying, for their heart was hardened ... for
them that have grown old even in youth, I pray that they may attain also ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlix matt xiv 13.htm

The Holy Ghost --The Great Teacher
... years to be dressed, there be some truths that must lie long in the heart before
they really ... If we simply pray for them that the God of truth may lead them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the holy ghostthe great teacher.htm

The Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
... your heart this moment as God looks into your heart, I could put my finger on the
specific sin." It may be what you ... she would go to her rooms and pray way into ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xx the baptism with.htm

Concerning Worship.
... be worshipped in the inward temple of the heart, it must ... adversaries confess that
they did preach and pray by the ... Since we may well conclude they did not speak ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

A Present Religion
... their wailings when they could not see Christ with their heart. ... A man may know in
this life, beyond the shadow ... to go up to the temple and pray, and subscribe ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/a present religion.htm

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... excellent father doth often urge, can we pray to God ... a mouth defiled by impious oaths,
with a heart guilty of ... the use of edifying, that it may administer grace ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... What may seem more remarkable, the change between buggy and ... a filial temper, and
with simplicity of heart, resting on ... and in genuine faith, then pray thus by ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm