Human Response 393: Incline the Heart unto Him

1 Kings 8:58 That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.

When Solomon finished dedicating the temple, he stood and turned to bless the people. In the prayer of blessing he asked the Lord to incline the hearts of the people to God with the result that they will walk in his ways and keep his commandments. Living an obedient life does not come naturally to sinful humans, even if we try with all our might. Walking in His ways comes out of a heart that is inclined toward God.

But since by nature we are not inclined toward God we need to respond by praying that the Lord will incline our heart. The love of God, the power of the Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit through the gospel inclines the heart of man toward God. This is why the meaning of the commandments begins with the words, “We should fear and love God that we may….” We are inclined to keep the Commandments when God does the inclining in us.

The Spirit convicts us of sin and of forgiveness and so grants the ability to incline. Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” He it is who actually grants the desire and the ability to walk and keep in our daily lives. We expose ourselves to the gospel and respond with the Lord’s Prayer asking the Father to change me (incline my heart).

We will live a better life and really change when we pray without ceasing, are poised toward God, and are aware of His presence more of the time. So we pray the Lord’s Prayer and mean it.