Thursday: The Heart
- McKayla Norman
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
BIG IDEA: The life you build determines who lives there.
Scripture: 1 Kings 6:12–13 – “As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.” In the Temple, right before entering the Most Holy Place, stood the altar of incense. Incense was burned continually, symbolizing prayer and worship rising to God. It’s a powerful picture of what it means to build a life where His Spirit can dwell.
● Prayer is communication with God. Every healthy relationship requires communication—you can’t know someone deeply if you never talk or listen. In the same way, prayer keeps us
connected to God’s heart.
● Worship is adoration and love. But it’s not just about songs we sing—it’s about how we live. The best way to show someone you love them is through your actions. That’s what Paul meant in Romans 12:1: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice... this is your true and proper worship.” Worship is lived out in obedience, love, and daily surrender.
Some people follow God out of fear of punishment. But God’s intention is that we live for Him because we love Him. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us.(1 John 4:18–19).
Put together, prayer and worship form the heartbeat of a life built for God’s presence. Prayer keeps the lines of communication open, while worship makes love visible in action. When those two are present, you’re not just building a religious routine—you’re building a relationship.
Action Step: Spend a few moments today in both prayer and worship. Pray honestly, like you’re talking with a close friend. Then worship by choosing one specific action—maybe forgiveness, service, or generosity—that shows God you love Him. That’s how you build a life where His Spirit feels at home.
Prayer: Father, thank You for inviting me into relationship with You. Help me to keep the incense of prayer burning in my life and to show my love through daily worship. May everything I say and do reflect my love for You. Amen.
Write your story in the Connect Book of Life: Go to www.connectchurchstl.com/bookoflife
Song of the Day: “Talking to Jesus" by Brandon Lake, Thomas Rhett
Comments