I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Eph. 1:18-19 NIV
Dear heavenly Father, for years I’ve accepted the limitations of my natural vision and have worn glasses to correct my extreme astigmatism. So this text makes a ton of sense to me. Apart from the work of your Spirit and the corrective lens of the gospel, it will be impossible for me to see what you intend for me to see with awe-producing clarity.
So, indeed, Lord, open the eyes of my heart. Heal my shortsightedness, my farsightedness, and the astigmatism of my soul. I want to see all things from your perspective, including the hope to which you have called us. To see with eyes of hope means that I will be able to discern your heart and hand at work everywhere.
Things are not as they appear to the natural eye. You are working in all things all the time, for your glory and our good. Father, I want to see that with 4D, High Definition, 20/10 precision, in full bore undiminished Technicolor.
I also want to see and savor the riches of grace, freely ours in Jesus. In a world of fool’s gold, bling-bling, and wanna-be-riches, help me see through temporal “goodies” to lasting treasure. Why chase the ever-shifting winds of the world, when we can live by the life-giving breath of God? Free me from putting my hope in money, 401Ks, earthly inheritance, what I drive, where I live, and what I wear.
Lastly Father, help me to see more of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in my heart and your world. I so want to be more like Jesus. Apart from the work of your Spirit, it “ain’t gonna happen.” I so want greater freedom, as your beloved child and servant in my culture. I so want to love you more fully and passionately and consistently. Again, apart from your Spirit, those things are impossible. I surrender today, gratefully and expectantly. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ tender and triumphant name.
