Father God, put your Spirit within me to replace my heart of stone…

 
Ezekiel 36:23-28

 
Yes, it’s good to have God’s Spirit within me, to replace my heart of stone.  But before there is space for the vivacious and holy Spirit of God in my being, the various layers of stone that often make up my heart must go! Distractions, resentments, thoughts of revenge, plans to carry out my own agenda and the possessions, fame and successes I have been amassing like a dragon’s hoard over a lifetime can layer by layer put a heart of stone within me that is impervious to the presence and mercy of God. Am I willing to put aside all that my heart has fickly built up over the years?  Do I truly desire to receive a full measure of God’s Spirit to replace all that is less than perfect mercy, perfect beauty and perfect truth within me? Will I be generous in giving up space in my life so that God can download his Spirit into my heart, mind, soul and strength? Father God, put your Spirit within me to replace my heart of stone.  
                                                                                                
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.   (Psalm 51:7 )
 
Lord, give me the heart of a child, and the awesome courage to live it out as an adult.   
Catherine Doherty
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca