This is a fun little catchphrase that every pastor keeps chambered. They use it after saying something they imagine was startling.

Common uses of this phrase in sermons include:

“I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t God supposed to be a loving God?”

“I know what you’re thinking. Pastor Ed, are you going to lecture me on the evils of alcohol?”

“Now I know what you’re thinking. Crazy preacher man spouting off at the mouth about the whore of Babylon and some such.”

“Now I know what you’re thinking. Pastor Mark, what do you mean I should tithe more than 10%?”

And the most common version:

“I know what you’re thinking: easier said that done.”

This psychic revelation is often followed by “I’m not here to lecture you” or “You’d better believe it.”