Listen

“Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God.”

Matthew 5:8

Think

I once read a fascinating article about Trader Joe’s. The article explained that Trader Joe’s has become successful because they carry fewer products than other grocery stores. Initially this sounds strange – wouldn’t a store sell more if it carried more items? But the brains behind Trader Joe’s understand that Americans are overwhelmed with choices. By limiting their selection, they have simplified grocery shopping and customers appreciate it.

The philosopher Søren Kierkegaard explained that “purity of heart is to will one thing.” Can you imagine all of your options, priorities, and opportunities narrowed down to just one? That is purity – a heart that has a single focus, not distracted and pulled in many directions.

Our model for a pure heart is none other than Jesus himself. He had the single focus to accomplish the mission of God in his life. Can you resist the many voices that call you in so many different directions and listen to God’s call? This listening is the practice of purity of heart.

Amy Bost Henegar

Pray

Gracious and eternal God, I want to see what you see and love what you love. Purify my heart so that I can see and know your mission in the world, and give me the courage to join in the work you are doing. Through Jesus our Lord, amen.

Go

Go, and know that the Lord goes with you:
let God lead you each day into the quiet place of your heart,
and speak with you;
know that the Lord loves you and watches over you -
that God listens to you in gentle understanding,
and is with you always,
wherever you are and however you may feel:
and may the blessing of God be yours for ever.

Adapted from anonymous prayer in All Will Be Well, ed. Lyn Klug