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
Heavenly Father, I make the Apostle’s prayer my own. Indeed, enlighten the eyes of my heart; clear out the gunk; sharpen my focus. Heal my shortsightedness, farsightedness, and the astigmatism of my soul. I want to see everything you want me to see, and to see all things from your perspective. So show me more of the hope to which you’ve called us.
According to your Word, you are at work in all things, all the time—for your glory and our good. Father, I want to see what you’re “up to” with the greatest precision, in the highest definition, and with the most color possible. Free me from looking at anything and anyone merely through the lens of fear, cynicism, and selfishness.
I also want to see and savor the riches of grace. 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, people’s approval, what I drive, where I live, and what I wear.
Lastly Father, help me experience more of the power of the Holy Spirit, at work in my heart and in your world. I want to be much more like Jesus, but apart from the work of your Spirit, that’s not going to happen. And I want to love you more fully, passionately and consistently; and I want to serve my neighbors more readily, joyfully, and sacrificially. Fill me with your Spirit, Father. I surrender today, gratefully and expectantly. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ tender and triumphant name.
