Do you believe........?

Question

We must alter our lives in order to alter our hearts, for it is impossible to live one way and pray another?

Answer 1

You're absolutely correct. Living our life one way and praying another is not conducive to spiritual growth. our prayers should reflect the type life we want to lead. The more decent and moral life we lead, the more the content of our hearts change and reflect our prayers.

Answer 2

Most definately yes. The bible teaches that we must put on a Christian personality to be acceptable to God. Colossians 3:5-10, Ephesians 4:22-32. It's no use pretending because Jehova knows our thoughts and hearts; 1 samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:10. If you live one way and pray another then you are a liar and the Bible says liars will recieve the same judgement as murderers; Revelation 21:8

Answer 3

I do believe that there is a strong connection between our inner lives and our outer behavior. As a Catholic, I recognize the importance of symbols and actions expressing interior attitudes and truths, and certainly there must be a type of harmony between the two, lest we be hypocrites. We must become virtuous, and virtues, are essentially good habits. But one might have a change in heart before a change in behavior. For instance, an alcoholic may come to the realization that he or she must end this chemical reliance before he or she is strong enough to actually break the habit. Thus, in this case, the change of heart influences the behavior, not the other way around. We must end bad habits (vices) and cultivate good habits (virtues) both in our inner and outer lives, and we must rely on the grace of God to guide us and give us strength to change our lives so that we are authentic, integrated people who try their best to live out the will of God on a daily basis.

Answer 4

If we are born from above, the Holy Spirit has altered our hearts, when our hearts are altered, our lives are also altered. We cannot change ourselves, we are fallen sinners by nature. The only hope we have is in Jesus the Messiah. When he sends His Holy Spirit to to become one with our spirit, the change begains. It comes from the inside, and becomes the results of a changed outwardness.

Remember, we are all sinners, christians as well as non christians. The only difference is as christians, we are forgiven. So thank God for choosing you to be part of His family, He chose you, you did not chose Him. And you only love Him because He loved you first.

May God be with you,
William M. Butler, Evangelist of St. Luke Ministries

Answer 5

Actually I think you need to alter your heart first. Your actions will then follow naturally.

If the heart isn't there, it will be a constant struggle you've already lost.

Answer 6

I believe that intent is like a seed we plant in the ground. If we treat it right, feed it right thinking and love, it will grow into a healthy plant we can be proud of. Prayer is a way to nurture that seed. Good luck!

Answer 7

Prayer should be a last resort when we have taken responsibility for ourselves and our actions and used the brain God gave us to get through our lives. I do not respect the whinging, 'God help poor me , what shall I do?' prayers that are trotted out so often. We should take charge of our lives and call in troops if all else fails - if we must. Get off your knees and put in the work. (yes I know... thumbs down)

Answer 8

I believe we must truly know our heart and live by it, or we are living a false and unhappy life.

Answer 9

You cannot alter your heart. Only God can.

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Answer 10

yes... otherwise whats the point of you prayer. im assuming one prays to get closer to God and to better themselves.. it has to show in the way you live too.