Guard Your Heart 11

Renewing the mind through reflection, intention, and partnership with the Spirit

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12 :2

1. Quiet Attention: Begin with stillness. Breathe gently and settle your thoughts. Say a short prayer:

“Lord, teach me to attend to my mind as You attend to me.”

Sit for a minute or two, simply noticing what thoughts surface; don’t chase them or suppress them. Ask yourself: What is most present in my mind right now? A worry, an excitement, a duty, a fear?

2. Honest Reflection

Take one dominant thought or feeling that stands out. Examine it carefully.

Ask:

Where did this thought come from?

Does it lead me towards peace and truth or away from them?

Does it agree with what I know from the scripture about God’s nature and will?

Note what you observe without judging yourself.

3. Intentional Redirection

Now, act with your mind. Choose a response that aligns with truth.

Pray:

“Holy Spirit, help me to see clearly and to think in the way of Christ.”

Then make a simple decision: How will I let this renewed thought shape what I do today?
For example:

Replace “I can’t” with “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Replace “Nobody cares” with “He cares for me.”

4. Word Meditation

Read a short passage aloud—something that roots you back in divine reality. Examples:

Philippians 4 :8 “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right…”

Isaiah 26 :3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.”

Spend a few moments thinking about how this word answers the thought you reflected on.

5. Conscious Action

End with one practical step that embodies your renewed thought.
Ask yourself: What one thing can I do today to act on this truth?
It may be making a call, forgiving someone, tackling a task, or resting in trust.

Write it down. Then do it.

6. Evening Review

At day’s end, revisit your morning reflection.
Ask:

Did I notice my mind shifting through the day?

What helped me stay aware or pulled me off course?

Where did I sense the Spirit’s partnership?

End with thanksgiving:

“Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to think with you, not apart from you.”

Weekly Challenge:

Practise this each day for seven days, focusing on a different recurring pattern each day (worry, impatience, insecurity, distraction, etc.). By the end, you’ll have a written record of how attention to your mind, guided by scripture and the spirit leads to a changed life

Kay Alli