Ask God to Search Your Heart: A Prayer That Changes Everything

 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 139:23-24

Dear Friends,

Whether it’s for business, personal needs, or pleasure, we all use search engines regularly. They’ve become part of the warp and woof of everyday life. When we need information, we instinctively reach for our phones and consult Google, ChatGPT, or countless other tools for answers.

When Search Engines Fall Short

Yet there are some things we desperately need to know that no search engine can reveal. This is why we must ask God to search your heart, uncovering the deepest truths within.

For those answers, we must go to another source. And who better to ask than our Creator?

The prophet Jeremiah wrote:

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve” (Jeremiah 17:9–10).

Who Can Truly Search the Human Heart?

The psalmist understood this reality. He sensed that something was wrong beneath the surface and longed for healing. He wanted to understand his sinful nature and knew exactly where to go for help – the One who designed the human heart.

So he prayed, “Search me, O God.” This is the essence of what it means to ask God to search your heart – to invite Him to examine your thoughts and guide your life.

He didn’t hide or make excuses. Instead, he invited the most thorough examination possible. He asked God to examine his thoughts – the very thoughts shaping his beliefs and behaviors. He wanted clarity about any offensive way within him so that he could seek forgiveness and be redirected onto God’s everlasting path.

“Search Me, O God”: A Dangerous but Healing Prayer

We’ve all experienced the satisfaction of finding answers online  – how to fix broken appliances, understand complex topics, or even navigate unfamiliar cities (we did that recently). But how often do we ask Someone to search our hearts for wrong beliefs, distorted thinking, or out-of-control emotions?

That kind of searching feels invasive.

And yet, it is deeply freeing.

The Freedom Found in Confession

When we ask God to search our heart, He invites us into confession and restoration. As we allow Him to uncover the root issues in our lives—and humbly accept that we can’t fix ourselves—He faithfully reveals specific areas of sin. Scripture promises that when we confess, He forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

This is what the psalmist desired, and it remains available to us today.

A Daily Practice That Changes Everything

I’ve come to value a daily rhythm of confession. Just as a morning shower cleanses my body, I ask God to search my heart each morning, inviting Him to reveal areas that need forgiveness and renewal. Each morning, we reflect on the previous day – what I handled well and where I failed. Through prayer and Scripture, God often brings awareness to lingering heart issues that still need attention.

Rather than shrinking back from those revelations, I’ve learned to acknowledge them honestly and ask for His help. It’s a sacred process – one I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone burdened by sin or shame.

Ask God to Search Your Heart

Ask the Lord to search your heart. He already knows what’s there – you cannot hide. Becoming aware of offensive ways is a gift, because awareness leads to confession, forgiveness, and a change in direction.

This practice helps us begin the day clean and spiritually prepared for what lies ahead.

Peace Is the Reward of an Open Heart

So while you rely on search engines for the mundane needs of life, consider another kind of investigation. Develop a daily habit: ask God to search your heart, allowing Him to reveal hidden sin, open your eyes to truth, and grant the refreshing, life-giving grace of forgiveness and cleansing.

The reward is peace with God – and a joyful heart.

Love,

Mama

Today, pause before the rush begins. Pray Psalm 139:23–24 and invite God to search your heart. Confess what He reveals, and walk forward cleansed, restored, and at peace.