Seeing God with a Pure Heart
Evening Peace: A Quiet Time of Prayer and Reflection Before Sleep
Tonight’s Verse
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8
Reflection
As we close the day, Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount call us to reflect on the condition of our hearts. Purity of heart isn’t merely about outward actions but about an inner devotion to God, a heart undivided and fully surrendered to him. To be “pure in heart” is to seek God above all else, to love him with a singular focus, and to walk in his ways with integrity. It isn’t something we achieve on our own, but something God creates within us through the cleansing work of his Spirit.
The promise of this beatitude is extraordinary: the pure in heart “shall see God.” Even now, we see him by faith - through his Word, in his creation, and in his work in our lives. As J.C. Ryle once said, “Faith is to the soul what the eye is to the body. By faith, the soul sees God.” One day, this promise will be fulfilled in its fullness when we behold him face to face in glory. This assurance encourages us to seek purity, knowing it’s not only for today’s peace but also for the eternal joy of knowing God more deeply.
Tonight, as you prepare for rest, take a moment to quiet your spirit and examine your heart before the Lord. Are there distractions, sins, or worries clouding your vision of him? Trust in his grace to purify you. Rest in the knowledge that he who began a good work in you will carry it to completion, molding you into someone who reflects his glory. Let this truth bring peace as you close your eyes, knowing you’re being transformed to see and know God more fully.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise that the pure in heart will see you. I long to know you more deeply, to see your hand at work in my life, and to rest in your presence. Cleanse my heart from sin, distractions, and anxieties that pull me away from you. Renew me by your Spirit and give me the grace to live with undivided devotion to you. As I rest tonight, may your peace guard my heart and mind. Let me awake tomorrow with a heart fixed on you and a life that reflects your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Hymn Verse
“Take my heart, O Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.”
(Take My Life and Let It Be, Frances Havergal, 1874)
This Evening Peace devotional reminds us that God is faithful to purify our hearts and draw us into his presence. As you rest tonight, trust in his ongoing work of grace, knowing that he calls you to know and see him more clearly each day. Let his peace sustain you as you prepare for tomorrow.