“God’s grace is painted on the canvas of despair” – T.D. Jakes

One of my favorite lines from a worship song has become my prayer for years. It comes from the song “Hosanna” by Hillsong United:

Break my heart for what breaks yours

Wow. Do you get that? Do you understand what you’re asking when you sing that song? You’re asking to have the same heart as the creator of the universe.

There is no doubt that there are many things that break the heart of our Heavenly Father. I think that as he looks upon the earth tears fill his eyes for the hurting, the hungry, and the lost. We serve a God who cries for the broken because He knows what it feels like to be broken.

But, I think there are a lot of things that break the heart of God that we seem to look upon unfazed. There are people that offer us smiling faces and an “I’m doing good” but behind those formalities are hurt and pain. There are systematic forces that rack our society causing poverty and prejudice, but we turn a blind eye. There are places where hate is abundant but compassion is required. There are neglected people who need relief and love.

To have your heart broken by that which breaks God’s heart means that you’ll see the world as God sees it. You’ll see people as He sees them. You’ll love as He loves and be saddened as He is saddened.

But be careful, because this is a dangerous prayer. This is not a prayer for the weakhearted. It definitely isn’t a prayer that strives for happy days and good times.

If you pray to have your heart broken for that which breaks God’s, hidden hurt and brokenness around you may be revealed to you.

But be encouraged, because God will not leave you in sorrow. He will lift you up and enable you to help bring life and peace to the hurting. God will give you a passion to work His love and comfort into the lives of neglected people. He will give you the strength to serve and bring His Kingdom to those you are serving.

“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2).

Just like the Psalmist, we cry out God, asking Him to break our hearts, but be ready because your purpose is coming. The breaking of your heart with divine sorrow will lead you to your passion. Your Godly passion will lead you to His purpose.

Lord, please break our hearts for what breaks yours. We want to experience the world as you do. We want to see people as you see them. We want to have your heart.

Parents: Explain to your children why this can be a dangerous prayer. Tell them about divine sorrow.