Ezra endeavored to gain a heart preparation for the work he believed was before him. He sought God earnestly, that he might be a wise teacher in Israel. As he learned to yield mind and will to divine control, there were brought 609 into his life the principles of true sanctification, which, in later years, had a molding influence, not only upon the youth who sought his instruction, but upon all others associated with him.

Ezra tilstræbte også at inddrage hjertet i sin uddannelse, før han påtog sig den opgave, som han troede lå foran ham. Han søgte Gud af hele sit hjerte for at blive en viis lærer i Israel. Efterhånden som han lod Gud få kontrollen over sindet og viljen, blev den ægte helligelses principper indplantet i hans liv. Dette bevirkede senere hen, at han ikke blot kom til at øve en afgørende indflydelse over de unge, der søgte ham som lærer, men også over sin omgangskreds som helhed.