Create in Me a Pure Heart

For it is from within, from men’s hearts, that evil intentions emerge.
Mk.7:21

Jesus makes the point that religious observance without purity of heart is deceitful hypocrisy. Jesus is more concerned with my inner health than my outer observances.

Jesus consistently refers to the state of the heart. Is it clean or unclean, pure or impure? He zeros in on the truth that good or evil actions start from good or evil thoughts and thoughts are generated from the state of my heart. 

Healthy heart, healthy thoughts, healthy actions. 

Lord, create in me a pure heart. Put a steadfast spirit within me.