Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 KJV
David wasn’t praying in the way required to hear from God for some time. He allowed himself to wander far enough away that he didn’t hear and obey in small and very big ways. Even after he sinned by committing adultery, instead of immediately confessing and getting on track with God and people again, he tried to manage his mess-up on his own. Of course, you know how that goes. His cover-up only made things worse. Eventually the prophet of God confronted him, and David’s stubborn heart broke. He wrote a passionate prayer expressing his condition and desire to communicate with God again that helps us even today.
David realized that everything about the way God made him works together. Physically we know that our hearts and lungs need each other. They both need to be healthy in order for US to be healthy. Spiritually speaking, our hearts and ears work together. Unless our heart is clean and pure before God, our spiritual ears are blocked. A clean, pure heart is vital and supernatural.
God is the One who cleans our hearts, but we have a part to play. This is a good way to keep your heart healthy and clean so you can hear:
- Ask God to show you anything in your heart that blocks you from hearing and living His way. It’s not just “big” things that block us. A heart burdened by sin, guilt, bitterness, negative emotions, or worry can interfere with your ability to hear God clearly. Acknowledge that a clean heart doesn't come naturally but is created and renewed by God.
- Pray for God's cleansing. Use David's prayer in Psalm 51:10 as a model: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” This prayer is so helpful, it’s a good way to begin almost every prayer time. Pray for humility and sit in the silence.
- As God brings something to mind, confess, ask for forgiveness, and obey. Be willing to confess and renounce any sins you have committed. God's mercy is abundant and He cleanses your heart when you sincerely ask for it. He will speak to you about what is your responsibility now and help you keep “short accounts” in every relationship.
- Live a life of obedience. Commit to listening to God. Every time you choose to listen and obey, you become more like Jesus, and life is rewarding.
Jesus said that the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8) – and they will hear God too. You will be able to hear and see His heart and truth.
- Make David’s prayer your own as you start many prayer times. Your entire time will compound in value as you are certain to have a clean heart.