Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White beautifully addressed this very prayer in her writings, teaching that "no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee" (COL 159.3). This prayer acknowledges a profound spiritual truth: we lack the power to transform our own hearts. This surrender is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual wisdom. Ellen White explained that our hearts belong to God by right of redemption, and "it would be the worst kind of robbery to give to the world your heart's affections and service, for they belong to God" (MYP 407.2). The heart itself should be given to Him as a willing offering, though we recognize our inability to accomplish this transformation ourselves (MYP 70.2). The prayer continues with a plea for divine intervention: "Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul" (COL 159.3). This reflects the understanding that only Christ can accomplish the work of heart transformation that we cannot do for ourselves. God responds to this humble surrender with His promise: "A new heart will I give you" (SW June 25, 1903, par. 10). He invites us to "take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me" (SW June 25, 1903, par. 10). The Lord dwells with those who have a contrite and humble spirit, reviving the heart of the contrite ones. This prayer of surrender is meant to be accompanied by complete trust. Ellen White wrote during her own times of physical suffering: "My heart goes out to Jesus in loving trust. He knows what is best for me" (RY 141.3). Even in our weakness and inability, we can "hang our helpless soul on Jesus Christ" (21MR 199.2), knowing that He will never fail us. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What does Ellen White say about the process of surrendering our will to God? • How does Christ accomplish the work of transformation in our hearts? • What role does faith play in receiving a new heart from God? --- 📚 **hundreds of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=take+my+heart+for+i+can+not+give+it)