The eyes of your heart enlightened

I apologize for this not loading yesterday. I set it up to post on Thursday but I think the picture was too much for it. So, today you get two devotionals! A.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the workings of his great power. Ephesians 1: 15-19 NRSV

According to this part of Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus (although we don't know for certain that it really was Ephesus as he never mentions the church specifically), Paul has never visited this church. However, their reputation proceeds them. They apparently have such faith in Jesus that other Christians have heard of it and passed the word to Paul. They have also been collecting money to be sent to Jerusalem for the poor, the widows and the orphans. That is the love for the saints that Paul is referring to here. So this church is faithful and generous and has come to Paul's attention so that he is giving thanks and praying for them.

Paul is specifically praying that they may have wisdom and revelation as they come to know Jesus. He is asking God that their hearts may be enlightened so that they have a firm grasp of hope, true riches and God's power.

I love the phrase: "with the eyes of your heart enlightened." What does that mean? A literal reading would tell us our hearts have eyes -but we know that isn't true! Paul is speaking metaphorically. It is more than opening your heart to something. If you have eyes, you can see. If your eyes are enlightened, you can not only see more, you see with truth, greater depth and clarity. In fact, you probably realize things that are not truly visible. What a gift that would be!

Wouldn't it be great if someone was praying for the eyes of your heart to be enlightened?

God, I ask that the person reading this prayer right now would be given the gift of having the eyes of their heart enlightened. In Jesus' powerful name I pray. Amen.

Question of the day: What would be be revealed to you if the eyes of your heart are enlightened?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims