Definition: The Bible doesn’t explicitly use the word “attitude” as we understand it today, but it does speak extensively about the mindset, heart condition, and general behavior that reflect a person’s attitude. In biblical terms, attitude can be understood as the orientation of the heart and mind that influences actions, words, and thoughts.
Key Scriptures about Attitude
The Bible offers numerous teachings on attitude, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive, humble, and faithful demeanor. Here are some key scriptures that address various aspects of attitude:
- Humility and Servanthood:
- Philippians 2:3-5: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
- James 4:6: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
- Gratitude:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
- Patience and Endurance:
- James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
- Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
- Love and Compassion:
- Ephesians 4:31-32: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
- Trust and Faith:
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Contentment:
- Philippians 4:11-13: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
- 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
Prayer points about having the right attitude with accompanying bible scriptures:
1. Prayer for a Humble Attitude
- Prayer Point: “Lord, help me to have a humble heart, valuing others above myself and seeking to serve rather than be served.”
- Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
2. Prayer for a Thankful Attitude
- Prayer Point: “Father, I pray for a heart of gratitude, that I may always be thankful in every situation, recognizing your hand in all things.”
- Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
3. Prayer for a Patient and Enduring Attitude
- Prayer Point: “Lord, grant me patience and endurance, especially during trials. Help me to remain joyful and steadfast in my faith.”
- Scripture: James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
4. Prayer for a Loving and Compassionate Attitude
- Prayer Point: “God, fill my heart with love and compassion. Help me to be kind, forgiving, and to treat others with the same grace you have shown me.”
- Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
5. Prayer for a Trusting Attitude
- Prayer Point: “Heavenly Father, help me to trust in you with all my heart. Give me the faith to rely on your understanding and to follow your guidance.”
- Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
6. Prayer for a Contented Attitude
- Prayer Point: “Lord, teach me to be content in all circumstances. Help me to find my satisfaction and strength in you, regardless of my situation.”
- Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
7. Prayer for a Peaceful Attitude
- Prayer Point: “God of peace, guard my heart and mind with your peace. Help me to cast all my anxieties on you and remain calm and peaceful in every situation.”
- Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
8. Prayer for a Joyful Attitude
- Prayer Point: “Lord, fill my heart with joy that is not dependent on my circumstances but rooted in your presence and promises.”
- Scripture: Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
These prayer points, rooted in scripture, can help guide your prayers toward cultivating a Christ-like attitude in every aspect of life.
Lord, may You please Bless Me with the Attitude of Christ:
(Philippians 2:1-11) 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A Christian’s Obligations (to have with the right attitude)
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.