In my message yesterday, I talked about how our hearts are not necessarily the best source of wisdom for decision making.  Our hearts can be very deceitful and lead us in the wrong direction.  As I was praying this morning, and asking for God’s direction in my own life, it seemed as if He was causing me to examine my heart.  So often it seems that much of my prayers stem from selfish motives.  On the outside, I’m praying for good things.  But in my heart, if I’m honest, I often want these good things because they will serve me – to make me feel better or to make me more successful.  I think I am praying for the right things, but I’ve got to make sure I’m praying in the right spirit.  With that said, this verse came to mind as I was praying:

“Search me, O 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.”

That is from Psalm 139:23-24.  May our hearts be changed that we desire God, not just for what He might do for us, but because He is ultimately the only thing worth desiring.  May we have the courage to examine our hearts and get to the place where we are free of self and truly open to following after God in a right spirit.