Prayer to renew your mind and change your mind
Author: Alicia Searle
Bible reading:
Don’t follow the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
Listen or read below:
My husband and I just finished a Bible study on Ephesians with some close friends. I am honored to walk alongside this gentle group of brothers and sisters and help each other grow in the faith. The truth is, it was God’s plan for this group to come together. Because we each share a similar story and have a mixed season of both young kids and college-aged kids. Let me tell you this is unusual and comes with unique challenges. So basically, as we dig deep into the Word, we might be juggling with toddlers who are into pranks or teenagers who are loudly rehearsing skits for TikTok videos. There’s never a dull moment!
But last Sunday, when I opened up and shared what books I’d like to learn more about next, the conversation took a bit of a detour as we all shared similar feelings about the raw vulnerability of reality. An ongoing theme was that the enemy seemed to be lurking and maliciously attacking our group. Between illness, financial burdens, family obligations, and unexpected life emergencies, the six-week study of Ephesians took more than ten weeks to complete. We all felt that there was an underlying force doing everything in its power to keep us from meeting.
More than that, we all felt the weight of the world slowly seeping into our hearts, homes, families, and even our congregations. While we were digging deep into God’s Word and doing our best to seek true truth and understanding, a strong pull came from another direction, leading us all down different paths of soul searching.
This must be why Paul was so passionate about preaching the simplicity of faith to Jews and Gentiles in Rome. Just as today, Christians in Rome were somewhat divided, with some leaning toward legalism and cultural traditions. They had essentially lost their foundation of faith in Christ Jesus. So Paul was encouraging the church to unite and build community.
Friends, sometimes when the world feels heavy or when the enemy attacks, we must return to the basics of our faith. It all starts with renewing your mind and changing your thinking. This is why I love Romans so much. The Epistle to the Romans speaks to the hearts of believers, reminding them of God’s goodness and faithfulness and how we should strive to live in unity as a group of believers. (I might have convinced myself and suggested to the group that next time we take a closer look at Romans!)
The truth is that while the patterns of this world are indeed evil and can lead us down many destructive paths, God’s faithfulness provides a way for us to focus on His good, pleasing and perfect will. It can be done as follows.
1. Gather regularly with a group of believers and be strengthened to stand firm in God’s Word (1 Corinthians 12:27). The enemy also knows that iron sharpens iron and makes us weapons of destruction (Proverbs 27:17), so let us be ready for battle (Ephesians 6:10-18) and fight for the truth.
2. Read, recite, and reclaim the truth – out loud! Proclaiming Bible verses and promises out loud serves many purposes as they become imprinted on our hearts and energize our hearts. Begin by proclaiming Romans 3:23, 6:23, 8:28, 10:9, 12:1-2, 15:13.
3. Give yourself grace. Easier said than done, I know. But whenever we mess up and mess up, or fall into patterns that are contrary to God’s will, we always have the opportunity to humbly turn everything over to God through confession, seeking chaste repentance. What a precious gift God has extended to us!
Let’s pray:
Father God, thank you for giving us the riches of your word. Grant us the ability to continue to seek Your will as we live in a world filled with sin, pain, and sorrow, clinging to the many precious promises scattered throughout Your Word. God, flood our hearts and minds with these truths as we strive to live them in ways that honor You.
Help us to meet regularly with our fellow brothers and sisters and grow in unity as we confess truths wrapped in grace. Renew our hearts, change our minds, and give us the tools to rely on faith when life changes direction. We ask all this in Your holy name. Amen.
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Photo credit: ©Getty Images/primipil
Alicia Searle is a dedicated author, blogger, and speaker who is passionate about pouring out her heart and leading women of all ages to Jesus. She has an academic background and holds a master’s degree in reading and writing. Her loved ones call her Mama. So much of her time is spent cheering them on at softball games and dance classes. She’s married to her crush (a tall, spiky-haired blonde) who can make a mean latte. She writes her heart on the page while sipping on the deliciousness as the puppy licks her paws. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
Related Resources: Start 2026 with Intention: Confidence, Hard Work, and God’s Direction
As we begin a new year, I want to help you slow down and listen to God’s invitation in your life. This episode kicks off the One Word 2026 series. This is a simple, prayerful way to reflect on where you have been and discern how God is calling you to grow in the year ahead.
I will introduce the mind that chooses spiritual “words” not as a goal to achieve, but as an attitude to receive. We’ll explore two of the six words I offer this month, “confidence” and “diligence,” and see how the Bible urges us to grow by trusting in God’s faithfulness over time rather than relying on our own strength.
This episode is part of the How to Study the Bible podcast. This show brings Bible reading to life and helps you understand even the most difficult parts of the Bible. If this episode helped you know and love God more, subscribe to the How to Study the Bible podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode.
