We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil. 4:8
Lord Jesus, these Scriptures make it clear. Nothing is more central and critical to our lives than our thought life. Our emotions and perceptions, values and choices, highs and lows are all connected to whatever fills our imagination and meditation.
So, before the fears of the hour, the brokenness of our world, or the father of lies claim our preoccupation, we yield our minds and hearts to you. We want to be captivated with, by, and for you, Jesus.
This isn’t “mind over matter,” but you over all things, Lord. It’s not the “power of positive thinking,” it’s being transformed by the constant renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2).
Nothing, and no one, is more “true and noble, right and pure, admirable and praiseworthy” than you, Jesus. By the Holy Spirit, may your beauty and love be the most unavoidable realities in our lives today.
For the more we see of you, the clearer we will see everything else. We suffer from astigmatism of the heart, and we need the corrective vision only you can give us.
We want your kingship and reign to rule in our hearts—not a constant preoccupation with the coronavirus.
We want the truth and riches of the Gospel to shape our emotions, sleep, and choices—not concerns about money, food, and Lysol wipes.
Jesus, we want your mercy and grace—not our fears and selfishness, to determine how we live today, what we do with our concerns, and how we relate to others. May it be, Jesus; may it be. So very Amen we pray, in your glorious and grace-full name.