Softening Your Heart Through Prayer and Practice

I readily admit that I was guilty of having a hard heart. Whether it was life experience or just my genetic makeup; I was opinionated and unyielding in my viewpoint. I had little tolerance for anything that did not conform to my way of thinking, doing and being.

Prayer has been a powerful tool in my spiritual growth and development. At first, it was pretty difficult. I had to admit fault and imperfection in my thinking. I was much too proud for that. That pride is what kept me isolated and "above it all".

Once I admitted I was wrong in my thinking, I was able to start meditating and praying about what I could bring into my thought patterns that was right. I wish I could say that it was a quick and painless process. It was far from it. It continues to be a concern daily and I address my lack of patience and forgiveness in prayer.

Even though I know that God can make immediate and lasting changes, He hasn't seen fit to do that for me. Apparently I am going through a growing and learning process because it is His will. After many, many years of deeply ingrained behavior; I can only imagine that I need to be humbled often.

Knowing what God expects is only part of the battle. You also have to equip your mind and re-wire it to stop automatically thinking the worst of others. Instead of running on fear and paranoia, I am learning to run on compassion and understanding.

Part of softening my heart is being aware that not everyone will have my best interest in mind and not everyone will treat me kindly. Sometimes people will hurt me, intentionally or not. Sometimes people will use harsh words or be thoughtless. Regardless of how anyone behaves toward me, I know that I am called to treat everyone the same. I won't always succeed; because I am human. But I am making much progress.

So, how do you soften that heart? You admit you don't know everything and you read the Bible and find out where your shortcomings are. What qualities are you lacking? Then you constantly remind yourself to exhibit those qualities until it becomes second nature to you. You pray about it and let God show you how to change for the better. I have been able to change my attitude and my actions; if you knew me before you would know how amazing this is.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

"You do not have because you do not ask." James 4:2　

Resources
Day 89 - Praying Past The Pain: The Power of Prayer To Heal Your Hurt

Bible Gateway - Bible Verses