Focus On God's Heart

Focus on God's Heart in Prayer

Rick Ezell

"But Hezekiah had interceded for them, saying, 'May the good Lord provide atonement on behalf of whoever sets his whole heart on seeking God, the Lord God of his ancestors, even though not clean according to the purification rules of the sanctuary'" (2 Chronicles 30:18-19 HCSB).

As the people of Judah and Israel came from distant parts to observe the Passover meal, during Hezekiah's reign, many violated the Law of Moses by not cleansing themselves. They felt it more important to obey the spirit of the Passover than the letter of it. Hezekiah prayed for them, asking God to observe the desire of their hearts.

In Biblical thought, the heart was the central organ that controlled all activities thus determining one's character of living. The heart housed the place where values and convictions were formed.

Interestingly, our physical hearts are positioned in our body in a way that provides protection from destructive external forces, but not so with the spiritual heart. The spiritual heart is susceptible to all kinds of harmful diseases and influences that might jeopardize its integrity. That's why the writer of Proverbs said, "Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life" (Prov. 4:23). The health and productivity of the heart cannot be assumed. It must be constantly protected to ward off destructive forces.

Developing a heart for God is not as difficult as it may sound. It involves praying for the concerns of God's heart: the unity of God's people, the rescue of perishing souls, the protection of the unborn, and the provision for the marginalized, to mention a few.

Furthermore, God's responds to a heart that seeks after him. "So the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people" (2 Chron. 30:20). The word healing means that God healed their relationship with him. Those that seek God will find him and live in harmony with him. Their prayers will be answered. The answer is not in merely getting things, but in being in right relationship with God. Our heart is conjoined with God's heart. That's where we all want to be.

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