Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Today I am focusing on the “mind” part of this verse as that is, in my opinion, where it all begins; even though it is listed last. Our desires begin there.
There was a time in my life where I relied heavily on a particular prayer book: “One Quiet Moment” by former United States Senate Chaplin, Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie. It was a book of daily prayers which I found at just the right time. My mind was in turmoil and I had lots of questions about family issues. I was seeking some kind of understanding of things. When reading these prayers, which often spoke for me, my mind was able to center on Jesus and his love for me. On the pages of this book I underlined and scribbled copious notes. I took its words to heart. I reread it over several years, until the binding was coming apart. I treasure it now because the prayers inside carried me through some very difficult years. I desired guidance.
These inspired prayers brought me peace of mind, and therefore were a comfort to my heart and soul. For you see, all three are so intricately interwoven to form me and you. These cannot be separated. To love God with all my heart, soul and mind is to love Him with my entirety. That is a commandment; a requirement. I think on that. It should be both an honor and my deepest desire. Only then can I be open, broken and one with Him who will use me as a vessel of love and service.
But that being said, my devotional today includes some segments of these beautifully written prayers regarding our minds. I hope these will help you as well:
Sovereign Lord,
You have given me a mind so that I can think magnificently about You. I contemplate Your majesty, power, goodness, truth, faithfulness, and grace. Everything within me responds to praise You for the wonderful way you care for me and provide for my needs.
Today, I commit my thoughts to You. I accept the admonition of Scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Consciously I seek to serve You by allowing You to deepen my understanding. Help me to base my thinking on Your truth…
Lord, may I come to know You so well that Your will is made clear for each decision. Be on my mind, in my mind, and in control of my mind. May my response be to LOVE YOU with all my mind.
With that in mind, I spread out before You the specific tasks and decisions that must be taken care of today. I claim your presence and Your direction in every matter; guide my thinking and my actions. May all that emerges from me be consistent with how Your Word calls me to live.
Step into this Lenten season with a desire to more fully love God with ALL your being, and then pass on that love to your “neighbor.” However you decide in your mind to honor these forty holy days, may you complete them with a renewed sense of God’s presence in your heart, soul and mind.
Be ready to raise your Alleluia!
Mary Braudrick
Member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Nampa ID
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Oh Mary, I think you are so filled with the spirit that God is using you in mighty ways. I needed this message today, bless you for being His obedient servant.