Preparing the Soil of Our Hearts

Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.  

Reading: Matthew 13

Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.  
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.

Jesus uses this parable to challenge us to examine the state of our hearts. Just as a farmer prepares soil for planting, we must prepare our hearts to receive and respond to God’s Word. Without that preparation, the message can be stolen, wither, or be choked out. Today, ask yourself: What is the condition of your heart? Are you open and ready for growth?

Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…  

1. Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).  
2. Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Lord, prepare my heart to receive Your Word. Remove anything that would keep me from hearing, believing, and obeying what You speak to me.
3. Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.  

Take Action:

1. Set aside 10 minutes of quiet reflection today and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life that are hardened or distracted.
2. Choose one spiritual practice this week (e.g., silence, journaling, or Scripture memory) to help cultivate a receptive heart.