Guarding My Heart

Devotional:

Your heart is precious. Not in a “put it on a doily” kind of way, but in a deep, sacred, this-is-where-your-life-flows-from kind of way. Everything you think, say, decide, love, or even avoid—it all bubbles up from the condition of your heart.

And let’s be honest: life doesn’t always treat our hearts gently. They get bumped, bruised, tangled in things that seemed good at the time but turned out to be heavy. Sometimes we try to protect ourselves by shutting down. Build a wall. Lock the doors. Put a “do not disturb” sign on the inside of our chest.

But guarding your heart doesn’t mean hardening it. It doesn’t mean being unkind or untouchable. It means being wisely selective. Letting truth in, not lies. Peace in, not panic. Setting up boundaries that keep the harmful out—but leaving the gates open wide for God’s presence to walk right in and stay awhile.

Proverbs says to guard your heart “above all else,” (Proverbs 4:23). That’s not because it’s weak—it’s because it’s powerful. And God, in His kindness, hasn’t left you to guard it alone. He offers His Word as the filter, His peace as the shield, and His Spirit as the best kind of guard dog—alert, gentle, and deeply loyal.

Scripture-Based Prayer:

Father, help me protect this heart You've entrusted to me—not with fear, but with wisdom and love.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” —Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Remind me that what I let into my heart—through my eyes, ears, thoughts, and time—shapes my life. Help me be discerning, not defensive.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:7 NIV

Let Your peace stand at the gate. When anxiety, anger, or bitterness tries to slip in, let Your calm say, “Not today.”

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10 NIV

Where my heart’s been hurt or heavy, I ask for healing—not just surface healing, but deep, restoring wholeness. Clean out what doesn’t belong and breathe new life into the spaces that have grown dull or defensive.

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly…” —Colossians 3:16 NIV

Make my heart a good home for truth. Let Your Word live there—not as a guest, but as the Owner. Make it a place where love stays tender, wisdom stays rooted, and everything beats in rhythm with Yours. In Jesus’ Name, I pray.

We hope you enjoyed this reading plan. These are lifted from the book: Prayers That Speak the Sword: Scripture-Based Prayers on Spiritual Warfare. Live in spiritual victory, with this book and other ministry resources from Heather Hair by clicking this link.