Topical Bible: The Heart: Pray That It May Be: United to Fear God

◄ The Heart: Pray That It May Be: United to Fear God ►

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The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of human emotion, thought, and will. It is the seat of our desires, intentions, and moral inclinations. Scripture frequently emphasizes the importance of the heart in one's relationship with God, urging believers to cultivate a heart that is aligned with His will and purposes. One significant aspect of this alignment is the unification of the heart to fear God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of fearing God is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is portrayed as a profound reverence and awe for the Almighty. This fear is not merely an emotion but a foundational attitude that influences one's actions and decisions. The psalmist captures the essence of this prayerful desire in Psalm 86:11: "Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name" . Here, the plea is for a heart that is not fragmented by competing loyalties or distractions but is wholly devoted to revering God.

The Nature of a United Heart

A united heart is one that is singular in its devotion and purpose. It is not swayed by the temptations and distractions of the world but remains steadfast in its commitment to God. This unity is essential for cultivating a genuine fear of the Lord, as it allows the believer to focus entirely on God's majesty, holiness, and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . A heart united in fear of God is the foundation for true wisdom and understanding.

Practical Implications

Praying for a united heart to fear God involves seeking His guidance and strength to overcome the internal and external forces that vie for our attention and allegiance. It requires a conscious effort to align one's thoughts, desires, and actions with God's will. This prayerful pursuit is not a one-time event but a continual process of sanctification, as the believer grows in their relationship with God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in uniting the heart to fear God. As the Comforter and Guide, the Spirit works within believers to transform their hearts, enabling them to live in reverence and obedience to God. 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" . Through the Spirit's work, believers are empowered to cultivate a heart that fears the Lord.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ exemplifies a heart perfectly united to fear God. His life and ministry were marked by complete obedience and reverence for the Father. In John 4:34, Jesus declares, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work" . Christ's unwavering commitment to God's will serves as the ultimate model for believers seeking to unite their hearts in fear of the Lord.

Conclusion

The prayer for a heart united to fear God is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It reflects a deep desire to live in accordance with God's will, characterized by reverence, obedience, and devotion. Through prayer, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the example of Christ, believers are called to cultivate a heart that is singularly focused on fearing and honoring the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth: unite my heart to fear your name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer
... Lord, thy grace may be imparted, yet not impaired. ... The incense of prayer must be
offered upon the altar of a holy heart. ... It reproves (1) Such as pray not at all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 6 prayer.htm

Eligius, Bishop of Noyon.
... Fear Him, then, my brethren, above all; pray to Him ... Leviticus 19, 26: "Have Christ
in your heart, and His ... Strive that ye may be separated from the devil, and ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/eligius bishop of noyon.htm

On the Feast of the Twelve Apostles
... Father was merciful unto Thee, and help me to pray that the Will of the Holy Trinity
may be done ... not, as Thy Father spared Thee not; for my heart is ready ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxix on the feast.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... God, and say, for instance, when we are going to pray, "Lord, fix ... Has my heart this
day been full of love to God ... It may take from me my worldly comforts, it may ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

On the Feast of the Holy virgin, St Catherine
... sometimes rest outwardly from discipline, the heart ceases not ... They pray that God
will do what He wills ... End, and that here and hereafter God may be glorified ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxviii on the feast.htm

Letter xiii. --The Use of Trials Continued.
... of these things prevent the desire to pray well, or to ... the pure intention and
preparation of heart, with all ... are so essential to perfection that it may be said ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xiii the use of trials.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... when nature decays and grows weaker, persons go more stooping: and truly, when the
heart goes more ... "And this I pray, that your love may abound more and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

All Saints' Day
... and learn to be poor in spirit, that is of a humble heart. ... who is not called to the
first, should turn and pray for the second, that he may fear God in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvi all saints day.htm

Wandering Thoughts
... the last question, " What kind of wandering thoughts we may expect and pray to be ...
sort of wandering thoughts, " those wherein the heart wanders from ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 41 wandering thoughts.htm

Epistle vii. To the Clergy, Concerning Prayer to God.
... the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of ... that He may amend, amends
that He may preserve ... away from the bonds of sleep, and pray with urgency ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle vii to the clergy.htm