Saturday Heart Check - Because He Lives

Welcome to Daily Prayer. Today is our final day in the Because He Lives series. We end with a Heart Check based on the Acts 2 account of the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Ask the Lord to move this from something you read into something that examines and transforms you. Let us quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord, anticipating a special connection with him today. Father, we give everyone and everything to you.

Prayerfully consider each of the following questions:

Where am I trying to handle life on my own instead of asking the Holy Spirit for help?

Am I really open to what God wants to do in me, or do I push Him away when He gets too close?

Are there places where I care more about fitting in than following Jesus?

Do I still feel thankful and amazed that Jesus died and rose again for me?

Are there parts of my life where I want Jesus to forgive me, but I do not really want Him to lead me?

Who around me needs to see the love and truth of Jesus through my life?

Is there one clear step of obedience God is asking me to take?

A Prayer of Confession

Holy Spirit, search my heart. Do not let me hide behind religious familiarity, ministry activity, biblical knowledge, or good intentions. Show me where I have resisted you. Show me where I have relied on myself. Show me where I have grown dull to the gospel. Lord, I confess that I often want the benefits of Pentecost without the surrender of Pentecost. I want power without dependence, boldness without prayer, witness without sacrifice, and transformation without repentance. I confess the places where my heart has not been cut deeply enough by the truth of Jesus. Forgive me for forgetting that Jesus is both Savior and Lord. Forgive me for wanting forgiveness without full surrender. You are worthy of my whole heart. You are deserving of not only my worship, but the worship of every living creature on earth!

A Prayer of Trust

Jesus, I trust that your mercy is bigger than my mistakes. I trust that when you show me sin, it is not because you want to shame me, but because you want to free me. I trust that repentance is not something scary to avoid. It is a way back to you. It is how I stop hiding and start healing. I trust that you are patient with me as I grow. You do not expect me to be perfect, but you do invite me to be honest, surrendered, and willing. Holy Spirit, I trust you to help me change in ways I cannot change myself. I trust you to give me courage when obedience feels hard. Father, I trust that your promises are still for me. Help me receive your forgiveness, follow your leading, and live as someone who belongs to Jesus.

Closing Prayer

During these last few moments, ask the Lord to help you respond honestly to what He has shown you. Consider where the Holy Spirit may be calling you to repentance, surrender, obedience, forgiveness, boldness, or renewed dependence. Do not rush past conviction, but also do not let conviction turn into shame. Ask God for one clear next step. Then place your trust in His mercy, receive His forgiveness, and make yourself available to be filled and sent as a witness of Jesus.