“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23–24).
David’s prayer recorded in Psalm 139 is one that takes courage to pray. In fact, it seems like a dangerous prayer to me because it’s an invitation for God to “audit” me. It gives God permission to make changes in me.
Do I really want God to scrutinize my heart and my thoughts?
That stands in contrast to our regular practice of prayer as petition, bringing our concerns before him. We tend to ask God to change others or our circumstances. Although such petitions are important, there is much room for us to willingly open ourselves up to change.
Craig Groeschel spells it out succinctly: “Instead of simply asking God to do something for you, ask him to reveal something in you. This moment of truth with God may not change you instantly, but it will help you to recognize your spiritual need and redirect your life.” Bold prayer goes beyond merely asking for divine intervention; it requires us to come humbly before God, allowing for self-reflection, transformation, and alignment with His purpose.
We see this lived out in David’s life–he was an imperfect man who sought God in all areas of his life. His request for God to examine him resulted in his repentance from his sin with Bathsheba. Psalm 51:10 clearly shows David’s humility and courage as he asked God to create in him a new heart and a renewed steadfast spirit.
God’s gentle and loving response to my own requests for Him to search, test and know me are always humbling and transforming. In one of these instances, I was petitioning him fervently to change my circumstances and my family. Instead, I was unexpectedly convicted by the Holy Spirit as I yielded and asked God to search my heart.
I began to see the areas of anger and bitterness, along with a refusal to forgive, and I responded to God’s invitation to forgive and surrender. Over the next few weeks, I experienced an overwhelming sense of peace. My perspective on the circumstances and people changed because God dealt with my heart issues.
A s a result of God’s searching my heart, my tension and stress dissipated. I also began to love my parents with the love of Christ.
Søren Kierkegaard’s assertion that prayer transforms the one who prays rings true. It is not about influencing God but about changing the nature of the person who prays—it is about a transformative journey for us.
Have there been moments when God revealed challenging aspects of your life? What areas might God be highlighting in your heart now? How do you respond to His nudges for change? What aids your attentiveness to His prompting?
Bold prayer beckons us into a deeper relationship with God, a willingness to be transformed, and an openness to divine revelation. It is an invitation to relinquish control, embrace vulnerability, and journey toward alignment with God’s purpose.
As we venture into praying more courageously, we will find ourselves in deeper communion with God—where vulnerability births strength and where steadfastness and transformation make us into the people God has called us to be.
–Dr. Jeannie Trudel, Guest Post
WHAT DO BOLD PRAYERS LOOK LIKE?
DOWNLOAD ALL 3 PRAYERS AS PRINTABLE PDFS
A Bold Prayer for Your Family
A Bold Prayer to Teach Your Family
A Bold Prayer to Pray for Yourself
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