Have you ever had a long day and started to reflect on all the interactions and events that occurred? If you’re anything like me, I spend too much time evaluating absolutely everything. This can occasionally result in criticism and negative feelings. Understanding how to examine what’s plainly happening in your heart can be challenging. The wonderful thing is God lovingly and patiently guides us to see what we need to know so He can change us to look more like Jesus. Below are 8 prayers to help lead you in the process of self-reflection.
1. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. – Psalms 139:23 NLT
Lord, I appreciate You taking the time to get to know me in such a deep, personal way. I don’t want to ever take it for granted. Please help me identify the troubled areas in my heart. Help me to leave my worries at the foot of the cross each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. – Psalms 103:2 NLT
Father, please help me remember always to sing Your praises. Lord, help me always remember the many ways You have come through for me. You have already done so many good things for me, so I should always have something to thank You for. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. – Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
Lord, certain things went well today, and there were some things I could have done more successfully. Even though I wish some things had turned out differently, I am aware that I am powerless to effect those changes without Your assistance. Please help me overcome guilt so I can work with You to make the necessary changes. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. The teaching of Your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. – Psalms 119:130 NLT
God, I experienced various emotions and thoughts today, both positive and negative. Lord, please help me to realize that such feelings and ideas are just invitations to experience more of Jesus and learn more about myself. Father, guide me on this journey so I can begin to comprehend and learn more about how You made me. In Your Son’s name, amen.
5. Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me along the path of everlasting life. – Psalms 139:24 NLT
God, please forgive me for the moments today when I fell short of Your righteousness. There are things I am aware of and some that are unknown to me. Reveal to me the hidden sin in my life that burdens Your heart. I want to continue to grow and change for the sake of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. 2 Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies. – Psalms 107:1-2 NLT
You are so kind to me, Lord! I appreciate the kindness and mercy You show me day after day. Father, I cherish Your unfailing love. Thank You for redeeming me and saving me from my enemies. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. – Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Heavenly Father, thank You for the chance to start over today. I’m grateful I can perform better than I did in the past since Your word states that Your mercies are new every morning. Please help me to speak, think, and act in a way that resembles Jesus more. In His name, amen.
8. To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. – Proverbs 12:1 NLT
Father, please assist me to live each day in light of Your grace. Lord, I want to grow into the person You’ve called and made me to be, and I know the only way to do that is with Your guidance. Help me to accept and apply Your correction since I know it comes from a place of love and desire to see me succeed. I pray all these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
