In my reading this morning, I ran across this quote from Dag Hammarskjold, the Swedish diplomat who served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1953-1961. It comes from his book, Vägmärken (Markings), a collection of his diary entries from age 20 until his death. It was found and pubished posthumously in 1963.
“Thou who art—also within us. May all see Thee—in me also, May I prepare the way for Thee, May I thank Thee for all that shall fall to my lot, May I also not forget the needs of others, Keep me in Thy love as Thou wouldst that all should be kept in mine. May everything in this my being be directed to Thy glory and ay I never despair for I am under Thy hand, And in Thee is all power and goodness.
Give me a pure heart—that I may see Thee, A humble heart—that I may hear Thee, A heart of love—that I may serve Thee, A heart of faith—that I may abide in Thee.”
As I read these words, my mind was drawn to the words of Scripture:
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26, New Living Translation)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, New Living Translation)
I can’t think of a better way to pray this morning. Lord, give me a heart transplant.
Question: How’s your heart today?
Leave a comment. I’d love to hear your perspective.
