The Eyes of Your Understanding

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. (Ephesians 1:16-19)

Paul was in prison when he wrote this. And what was he praying for the Ephesian church? It was not that God would give them more money or that their circumstances would improve. He was praying that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened. That word, understanding, is kardia in Greek, and it is where we get the English term "Cardio" from, meaning “from the heart.” Paul prayed that the eyes of their hearts would be opened. That is an inside prayer. He was asking God to illuminate something within believers so they can see what is already there. He wanted them to know three things.

The first was the hope of His calling, or what God has called you to, and the confident expectation that goes with it.

The second was the riches of His glory in His inheritance in the saints. That is the staggering wealth that God has placed within His people.

And the third was the exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe. You have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, made available to and working through your body.

This is what Paul considered the most important prayer he could pray for a church. It was not for external blessings but rather for internal revelation because when a believer sees what they carry, what they are called to, and what power is available to them, the blessed life flows naturally. Let your eyes be enlightened and let the Holy Spirit show you what is inside you.

Practical Application

Pray Paul's prayer over yourself today. Ask the Father of glory to give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Ask Him specifically to open the eyes of your heart so you can see the hope of your calling and the power that is toward you as a believer. Pray it with expectation.

Ephesians 3:7; Colossians 1:29