“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Psalm 139:23-24
Jesus teaches us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). As beloved children of God who are called to do all things to the glory of God, we can test and consider our ways in prayer (1 Corinthians 10:31, Lamentations 3:40). We seek to obey the call of God spoken through the psalmist, “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). In prayer, as we pour out our hearts to God, we submit our thoughts, affections, and actions to Him and seek to respond in a way that is conforming to His ways. We can reflect and examine our thoughts, actions, and affections in prayer as an intentional way to enjoy God, give thanks, confess and repent of our sins, and resolve to glorify God the next day. This guide has been written to help in daily examination and responding to God.
Listed below is one way you can examine your day and pour out your heart before God in prayer which consists of the following steps:
1. Rest (Psalm 4:8; 37:7; 62:1; 63:6-8; Matthew 11:28-30)
2. Remember (Psalm 77:11; Proverbs 2:6; Daniel 2:20; John 15:4-5; James 1:5)
3. Relish (Psalm 16:11; 37:4; 43:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3:17)
4. Request (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 121:2; 139:23-24; Romans 8:26)
5. Review (Lamentations 3:40; Luke 6:45; 1 Corinthians 11:28)
6. Repent (Psalm 51; Proverbs 28:13; James 4:7-8; Romans 8:12-14; 1 John 4:6-10)
7. Resolve (Lamentations 3:22-23; John 1:17; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Titus 2:11-12)
This seven-step technique is intended to remind you that we exist to love God, love others, and make disciples of Jesus for the glory of God and joy of all people. One way to use this resource is to take ten minutes before bed to work through the steps in prayer. You could keep this guide in your Bible or somewhere you might see it at the end of the day.
