What does it mean to prepare my heart for a new move of God? I’m hearing a lot about being ready for God to act in new and unexpected ways, a "fresh outpouring" or a "new season," but I’m not sure what that practically looks like. Beyond just praying and reading my Bible, what specific actions or attitudes can help me be receptive and participate fully in what God is doing? How do I discern if it is actually a move of God and not just something trendy or emotionally driven? And what if I’m comfortable where I am spiritually – is it even necessary to actively seek a new move of God, or should I just focus on faithfulness in my current situation?
Answer
Preparing your heart for a new move of God involves cultivating a receptive, open, and surrendered posture that allows you to recognize, embrace, and participate in what God is doing or is about to do. This preparation is a multifaceted process involving spiritual, mental, emotional, and practical aspects. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:
Spiritual Preparation:
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Seeking God: Intentionally and consistently seeking God through prayer, scripture reading, and worship. This means making space in your life to hear His voice and understand His will. It’s not just about routine religious practices but about cultivating a genuine relationship and heartfelt communion with God.
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Repentance and Humility: Examining your heart for any sin, pride, or unresolved issues that might hinder your connection with God. Repentance involves acknowledging these shortcomings, asking for forgiveness, and turning away from them. Humility is recognizing your dependence on God and your need for His guidance. It means having a teachable spirit and being willing to submit to His authority.
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Faith and Expectation: Cultivating an attitude of faith and expectancy. Believing that God is actively working in the world and in your life, and expecting to see Him move in new and powerful ways. This involves rejecting doubt and cynicism, and choosing to trust in God’s promises.
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Discernment: Praying for discernment to recognize God’s leading and to distinguish between His voice and other influences. This involves developing spiritual sensitivity and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide you. It also requires comparing what you believe you are hearing from God with scripture and with the counsel of trusted spiritual mentors.
- Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing that spiritual opposition may arise as you prepare for a move of God. This involves putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), resisting temptation, and standing firm in your faith. It’s understanding that the enemy does not want you to align with God’s plans and will try to hinder you.
Mental and Emotional Preparation:
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Openness to Change: Being willing to embrace change and step outside of your comfort zone. A new move of God often involves new ways of doing things and new directions. Resisting change can hinder your ability to participate in what God is doing.
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Letting Go of Preconceived Notions: Releasing any preconceived ideas or expectations about what a move of God should look like. God often works in unexpected ways, and clinging to your own ideas can blind you to His activity. This requires a willingness to be surprised and to trust that God’s ways are higher than your own.
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Emotional Stability: Striving for emotional stability and resilience. A move of God can be emotionally challenging, and it’s important to be grounded and centered in God’s love. This involves addressing any emotional wounds or unresolved issues that might make you vulnerable to discouragement or doubt.
- Mind Renewal: Actively renewing your mind with truth and aligning your thoughts with God’s word. This involves challenging negative or limiting beliefs and replacing them with positive affirmations of faith. It’s about training your mind to focus on God’s promises and His power.
Practical Preparation:
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Availability: Making yourself available to serve and participate in what God is doing. This might involve rearranging your schedule, volunteering your time, or taking on new responsibilities. It’s about prioritizing God’s agenda and being willing to be used by Him.
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Stewardship: Being a good steward of your time, talents, and resources. This involves using your gifts to serve others and managing your finances wisely. It’s about recognizing that everything you have is a gift from God and using it to advance His kingdom.
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Community: Connecting with other believers who are also seeking God and preparing for a move of God. Encouragement, accountability, and mutual support are essential during times of transition and change. This means actively participating in a church or fellowship group and building relationships with other believers.
- Education and Learning: Seeking opportunities to learn and grow in your understanding of God and His ways. This might involve attending conferences, reading books, or taking courses on relevant topics. It’s about equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to participate effectively in God’s work.
In essence, preparing your heart for a new move of God is about cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with Him, aligning your thoughts and actions with His will, and positioning yourself to be used by Him in powerful ways. It’s a continuous process of seeking, surrendering, and serving.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before you humbled and yearning for a deeper connection with you. My heart whispers a question: What does it mean to prepare my heart for a new move of God?
I long to be ready, Lord, not to miss the stirring of your Spirit, the unfolding of your plan. Show me how to cultivate fertile ground within me.
Help me to clear away the weeds of doubt, fear, and complacency that choke the life out of my faith. Uproot the bitterness and unforgiveness that harden my heart and make it resistant to your touch.
Soften my heart, Lord, with the rain of your grace and the sunshine of your truth. Fill it with a hunger for your Word, a thirst for your presence, and a yearning for your will to be done.
Give me the courage to examine my life, to confess my shortcomings, and to surrender my own desires for your greater purpose.
Teach me to listen, Lord, not just with my ears, but with my spirit, discerning your voice amidst the noise and distractions of the world.
Help me to be obedient, Lord, willing to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Empower me to be a vessel of your love, ready to pour out your grace and compassion to those around me.
Lord, prepare my heart to receive the new move of God. Fill me with expectancy, faith, and a willingness to be used for your glory.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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