Prayer

connects our heart with God’s heart. For many people, the word

heart

represents only their emotions, especially feelings like love,

sadness, and hope. It’s in the mind

that logic resides, many will say. The heart is for feeling and the

brain is for thinking, and the two are often pitted against each

other.

The

Bible teaches, however, that the heart is the center of every aspect

of being human: our reason, our emotions, and our will. The heart

directs our affections, shapes our decision making, and determines

our ultimate allegiances. This is why Jesus said, “Where your

treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Today’s

Bible reading contains a harsh rebuke of people whose hearts have

turned away from God. It affects all their thinking, decision making,

motives, emotions, and behaviors. The spiritual fallout of a broken

relationship with God is that prayer is rendered ineffective.

But

nestled in this passage are words of hope. No matter how far our

hearts may wander from God, he promises to be near when we turn to

him. That’s because he is always near and caring for us (see

Matthew 28:20; Philippians 4:4-6). One renewing encounter with God

can change everything. And it’s always just one prayer away.