Last Sunday, I shared about a new prayer group that is going to be starting on Thursdays at 9AM in the Upper Room. I find that I have more trouble with dysfunction and sin when I'm living too far from my prayer life. I slip out of this center and my life can nose dive.
Look at the ancient wisdom found in the Hebrew Scriptures, here is a significant emphasis on the heart. Consider these wisdom aphorisms from the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 3:1-3
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck and write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 4:1-4
Listen my son to a father's instruction . . . pay attention and gain understanding. Lay hold of my words with all your heart.

Proverbs 4:20-23
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart, Above all else, guard your heart, it is the well spring of life.

Proverbs 7:3
Bind my commands on your fingers. Write my commands on the table of your heart.

Proverbs 23:19
Listen my son and be wise and keep your heart on the right path.

Jesus continued in this tradition with teachings like:

Matthew 6:21
Where your treasure is there also will be your heart.

I admit that when we think about the heart we're on mysterious ground. It's hard to define it with precision. Yet, I would say the heart always has to do with the essence of something or someone. The heart is the deepest part of who I am and who I'm becoming. It's the place of deep feeling and passion as well as the place where we discover our unique calling and gifting. Finding and following your heart is essential to a life lived in God.