A Prayer About Thoughts

When my mind needs changing

HEAVENLY FATHER,

My thought life needs help. Usually that’s where specific sins begin, from thoughts of lust, jealousy, self-righteousness, anger, or revenge. My focus can translate into actions of the wrong kind. At times negative thoughts just pop into my mind, but often they are stimulated by what I see, hear, read, or feel. Because I am a sinner, my first instinct is to go where my mind takes me—to what is false, dishonorable, wrong, impure, unlovely, and despicable. My thoughts need to be fixed elsewhere, on whatever is “excellent and worthy of praise,” on what glorifies you. Change my mind, Father; purify my way of thinking. When media draw my attention and thoughts to sinful activities, give me strength to change channels or turn off the TV, shut down the web page, toss the magazine, choose another book, or turn to a Christian radio station. In my social interactions, focus my attention on people’s strengths, seeing the good in them. Change me from a critical faultfinder to a praise giver. And in every situation, please help me think of you.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8