Something to Get Your Prayer Life Going Again

“Search me, Oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24

Have you ever heard of Lake Wobegon’s syndrome? That’s the name given to a common tendency humans have towards “illusory superiority.” Studies have shown that most people rate themselves above average in various traits, which is a statistical improbability. Even if it’s unintentional, this is a naive bias often fueled by underlying pride and it highlights our difficulty in seeing ourselves accurately. We tend to assume the worst in others while envisioning the best in ourselves, so we inflate our positives and underestimate our negatives. In this Psalm, David recognizes the self-deceit in the human heart. He uses it as an opportunity to pray that God would lift this veil from his heart and reveal the truth, because he knows that clarity precedes transformation. David’s prayer, “search me, Oh God,” challenges the biased perception you have of yourself. It’s short and it’s simple, but it’s a profound prayer that offers a glimpse into the heart’s vulnerability and a path to spiritual renewal. John also talks about this in 1 John 1:9, where he writes, “but if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Asking God to search your heart isn’t complete until you confess what he reveals to you and realigning yourself with the truth. So today, if you’re looking for a way to jumpstart your prayer life, why not start with this short prayer? “Search me, oh God, and know my heart.” You’ll be amazed at what such a small prayer can do for your spiritual restoration!