A Prayer to Cultivate Our Hearts for Spiritual Growth | Your Daily Prayer

Just like a gardener prepares the soil for fruitfulness, God desires to cultivate our hearts so that we can grow in faith, character, and closeness with Him.

Lynette Kittle

Updated May 09, 2025

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Just as a gardener tills the earth before planting, preparing the soil to receive seeds and yield a harvest, God longs to prepare our hearts for a life of fruitfulness. He is the Master Gardener, patiently tending to the soil of our souls so that we may grow in faith, develop Christlike character, and deepen our intimacy with Him. In seasons where we feel spiritually dry, distracted, or hardened by life’s challenges, we are invited to come back to God — to allow Him to break up the unplowed ground in our hearts.

“Break up your unplowed ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers His righteousness on you.”
— Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

This powerful verse reminds us that spiritual growth begins with intentionality. “Break up your unplowed ground” is a call to repentance, surrender, and openness. It’s a divine invitation to examine the state of our hearts and make room for the Holy Spirit to work within us.

When we choose to “seek the Lord,” we’re not just going through religious motions. We’re pursuing a real, living relationship with our Creator. And God promises that when we do, He will respond — showering us with His righteousness, renewing our strength, and restoring our joy.

Heavenly Father,
I come before You today as I am — with parts of my heart that feel tired, distracted, or even hardened. Like soil that’s been left untouched, I know there are areas of my life that need Your tender care and healing.
Break up the unplowed ground in me, Lord. Expose what needs to be transformed. Soften the places where I’ve grown numb or discouraged.
I want to seek You earnestly. I want to grow in faith, character, and intimacy with You. Come and shower Your righteousness upon me. Renew my desire for Your Word. Deepen my trust in Your promises.
Thank You for being patient, loving, and faithful. Help me to keep my heart open to You every day.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Originally published May 09, 2025.

Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.