Prayers For Renewing Your Mind in Christ
You’re probably somewhat familiar with the biblical phrase “renewing your mind”. This idea comes from Paul in Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 NIV
I want to invite you to spend a few minutes meditating on this scripture. In the world we live in, it’s easy to read a verse as quickly as possible and move on to the next task.
Renewing your mind is a process, and look at the results of it—transformation. Your entire life is transformed when you embrace the renewal of your mind. The renewing of your mind also enables you to understand God’s will for us.
The same word for “renewal” is also used in Titus 3:5.
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Titus 3:5 NIV
I think of renewing our mind like restoring an old car or piece of furniture. We’re not throwing away the old thing and replacing it, but we are transforming it into something more beautiful and functional. We’re removing the old rust and paint, patching the holes, replacing the broken pieces, and giving it a fresh coat of paint. The process is like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
Renewing your mind—and any other type of restoration—doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process. I’ve found that renewing my mind is something I need to do almost daily. Paul explains that there are patterns in the world all around us. They’re like molds trying to get us to conform to ungodly patterns.
Part of the process of renewing your mind is prayer.
In simple terms, prayer is communicating with God. Through prayer, we gain understanding of who God is, our identity in Christ, and God’s perfect will.
Example Prayer for a Renewed Mind
“Father God, I thank you for renewing my mind. I ask and pray that you would reveal your perfect will in my life. I pray that your light would shine on my heart and mind and bring transformation to my thoughts. I thank you that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me and is working in and through me. I am a new creation in Christ, and I pray for the spiritual revelation of who I am in You. I ask you for strength and wisdom to not conform to the patterns of this world. In Jesus’ Name I demolish every thought and argument that goes against God. I thank you that I am forgiven and redeemed by Your blood, and renewed by Your life-giving Holy Spirit. I pray all of this in the mighty Name of Jesus.”
I don’t think your prayer life should be scripted, but it’s definitely helpful to have a list of things you’re praying for. If you want a renewed mind, here are some things to pray for:
- A deeper understanding of God’s truth
- A revelation of your identity in Christ
- The Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17)
- The power of the Holy Spirit working in us (Ephesians 3:20)
- Strength and self control to not conform to the patterns of the world
- To set your mind on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5)
Along with your prayers for a renewed mind, it’s also essential to read the Bible. We need to remind ourselves of our true identity in Christ. Reading and hearing the Word of God produces faith and understanding of God’s truths.
Here are some great verses that will remind you of your identity and help you renew your mind.
“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.”
Romans 6:6 NLT
“The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does.”
Isaiah 8:11 NLT
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 NIV
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Peter 2:9 NLT