Maybe some of you are like me. You come from a strong Christian lineage, you’ve gone to church all of your life, and you’ve never really done anything “bad,” well, at least not bad enough to land you in prison!
In fact, you might even be able to say that the things that many struggle with – various addictions, sensual pleasures, violent tendencies, ethical temptations, etc. – are not even a consideration in your day to day life.
But, if you are like me, there is one place where all manner of sin can rear up it’s ugly head, and that is in your mind. I find that on any given day some of the greatest battles are in my mind. And when I say “battle,” I mean “Battle.” We won’t even go into everything that goes on in that place, but I can assure you it’s not pretty, and certainly would not fit into the category of true, honorable, just, and pure.”
For some reason in this past year I have struggled more than I would like to admit in this area. By God’s grace, one day as the battle was raging, the thought came that I needed to go to God’s word for re-enforcements. (You would think this would be a regular thought for a church guy like me!) So I spent some time in the Scriptures and came up with what I will call “A Prayer for Mind Renewal.”
You and I both know that we will struggle, at least to some degree, until our glorification. But I have found it helpful to be able to pull out this simple prayer and declare my position and intentions based on the promises of God’s Word.
Perhaps you may find it helpful as well.
Grace and Peace.
David R. Landis
A Prayer For Mind Renewal
I will not be anxious about anything, but will in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.
…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, I will think about these things.
I will not be conformed to this world, but will be transformed by the renewing of my mind, that by testing I may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
I will set my minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
For I do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
I belong to God. I am an overcomer, for he who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.
Therefore, preparing my mind for action, and being sober-minded, I will set my hope fully on the grace that will be brought to me at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
I have the mind of Christ.
Philippians 4:6-8, Romans 12:2, Romans 8:5-6, Colossians 3:2, Ephesians 6:12, 1 John 4:4, 1 Peter 1:13, I Corinthians 2:16