Effective change comes about through the grace of God, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless our own choices and actions have a part in this too. For example, Philippians 4:8 tells us what we can do to reshape and reform our thinking as this prayer-a-phrase will hopefully show:
From now on,
think about
what’s actually true –
which may require research,
study, and an open mind –
free of prejudice to find out.
From now on, notice
whatever is honorable –
and honestly worthy
of time and attention.
From now on, think about
whatever is just –
right, fair, equal, unbiased.
From now on, be attentive
to whatever is pure –
as shown by pure motives,
selflessness, and empathy
toward others.
From now on, contemplate
whatever is lovely –
beautiful sounds in psalms,
poetry, prayer, music –
beautiful art and religious icons
with which to meditate –
beautiful variety in God's creation.
From now on, put your thoughts on
whatever is commendable –
of good repute, of good report –
of Good News.
Finally, if you see any
excellence anywhere,
anything worthy of praise,
think about those things –
dwell on the excellent,
inhabit the virtuous,
live in God’s praise.
Philippians 4:8 prayer-a-phrased by Mary Harwell Sayler, © 2017, using translations found on Bible Gateway
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