Symptoms of a spiritual heart attack

          A spiritual heart attack occurs when the core of your spiritual life—your heart—is under pressure, wounded, or disconnected from God. Just as a physical heart attack affects blood flow and causes physical distress, a spiritual heart attack blocks the flow of God’s presence, peace, and purpose in your life.

          The Bible tells us to guard our hearts:

    “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

          When the heart is not properly guarded or fed with the Word and presence of God, it can become spiritually sick.

1. Loss of Passion for God

          You no longer feel excited about prayer, worship, or reading the Bible. You feel indifferent or cold toward spiritual things.

    “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” Revelation 2:4 (ESV)

          This is a clear sign your heart is disconnecting from its first love—Jesus.

2. Bitterness and Unforgiveness

          Holding on to offenses, grudges, or emotional wounds poisons the heart and blocks spiritual growth.

    “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you… forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31–32 (ESV)

          Bitterness clogs the heart’s ability to receive or give love, creating spiritual blockage.

3. Constant Fear and Anxiety

          When the peace of God no longer rules your heart and is replaced by fear, panic, or dread.

    “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

    “God has not given us a spirit of fear…” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

          A heart under attack loses confidence in God’s promises and becomes anxious.

4. Lack of Spiritual Discernment

          You're unable to distinguish between truth and deception. You easily fall for false teachings or worldly opinions.

    “The heart is deceitful above all things…” Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

    “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” 1 John 4:1 (ESV)

          When the heart is compromised, your spiritual judgment becomes dull.

 5. Disconnection from Fellowship

          You avoid church, godly friendships, or spiritual mentorship. You prefer isolation.

    “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

          Isolation is dangerous—it weakens your spiritual heart and makes you vulnerable to attack.

6. Compromise with Sin

          You begin to tolerate things you once resisted—lies, lust, gossip, or pride.

    “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” Hebrews 3:15 (ESV)

          A hardened or weakened heart makes sin seem normal and repentance unnecessary.

7. Prayerlessness

          You stop talking to God. Prayer feels like a chore instead of a lifeline.

    “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1 (KJV)

    “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)

          When prayer dies, your spiritual connection begins to fade.

8. Emotional Exhaustion or Burnout

          You're spiritually tired, overwhelmed, and feel distant from God.

    “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

          A tired spirit is a vulnerable heart that needs divine refreshing.

9. No Hunger for the Word

          The Bible no longer feeds you. You're bored with Scripture or avoid reading it.

    “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)

    “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

          A spiritually dying heart loses its appetite for truth.

10. Shame and Condemnation

          You feel unworthy to approach God, and you hide in guilt instead of running to Him.

    “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

          The enemy uses guilt to choke your relationship with God. Shame is a sign your heart needs healing.

How to Respond to a Spiritual Heart Attack

          If you notice any of these symptoms, take immediate steps:

● Return to God with Repentance

    “Return to Me, and I will return to you…” Malachi 3:7

● Pray for a New Heart

    “Create in me a clean heart, O God…” Psalm 51:10

● Stay in God’s Word Daily

    “Your word I have hidden in my heart…”  Psalm 119:11

● Guard Your Heart

    “Above all else, guard your heart…” Proverbs 4:23

A Short Prayer for Healing a Spiritual Heart

    "Lord Jesus, I recognize the signs that my spiritual heart is under attack. I repent for every area where I’ve let bitterness, fear, or sin creep in. Heal my heart. Restore my love for You. Reignite my hunger for Your Word. Remove every blockage that keeps me from Your presence. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen."

          Let this guide help you check your heart regularly and return to the One who is the Healer of broken hearts—Jesus Christ.

    “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (ESV)