The state of our hearts

 ⁷ “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-9 NLT

"Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34

God's been really challenging me with this verse.  It causes me to really think about the "state of my heart" and how that is in relationship with God and other people.  I don't know exactly where any of you are in this regard, but maybe it's still a challenge for you, too.  So, we pray....

God, 

You created the earth and said it was good.  You created us and said we were very good.  Yet, we know that our hearts are not always as pure and holy as you are.  Create in us clean hearts.  Cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  May our thoughts, words, and actions be honoring to you.  We ask, we seek, we knock on your door for the needs of our hearts...   and for the courage to let you work within us.  May your Church be a shining light to the community around us, a city on a hill, a place of restoration, healing, and grace.  May our hearts and words be those which draw others to the depth of your love.

Amen