Late into the first winter we lived in our home, my family and I forged trails throughout our woods. We had moved in deep midwinter, and we knew if we wanted trails in these dense woods, we would have to start them before the leaves returned or the ground cover would make it impossible to beat a path. So all eight of us, plus a big dog, walked in and through the mud for months.
When spring came and the mayapples and trillium started covering the paths, we picked flowers and continued stomping. The leaves burst out from the trees almost overnight after a big storm, and branches we hadn’t noticed enough to trim back whacked us in the face on the new trails. We watched spring happen on our feet that year—the succession of blooms culminating in the crisp, white blackberry flowers arrested our attention like never before. When summer came, we were shoulder to shoulder with trees, our barren trails made into green, leafy hallways throughout the wood. Fruit that lay dormant burst forth, and winter gave way to life again and again.
Paul opened his letter to the Ephesians with a prayer that sums up the whole intent of Scripture: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). This is a prayer for insight, for revelation, for wisdom, for illumination. The central message of God’s Word to believers is not about what we do but about what God does in us. The fruitfulness of the Christian life begins with the implanted Word and the illumination of His Spirit.
Paul reminded us that the gospel arrests us in the midst of our winter deadness and it is the power of Christ that enlivens and enlightens us. God has not left us dead in our trespasses but has given us a new hope in the wealth of our inheritance in Christ. He does not leave us to our own abilities but grants us the greatness of His power and strength.
These are the promises of the gospel. These are also the truths that we are so quick to forget. We do indeed need the eyes of our hearts enlightened. We too often fixate on the “sufferings of this present time” (Romans 8:18) and fail to look outward and upward. But when we fix our eyes on the glory of Christ, we also are able to see the transforming power of that hope in the present.
Because we are numbered among the saints, we no longer live in the barren winterland but walk in new life, a life full of His hope, His strength, His wisdom, His wealth. Therefore, like Paul, we should never stop giving thanks, should never cease from prayer and praise.
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116 thoughts on "Prayer for Spiritual Insight"
I like the comparison of the seemingly barren wilderness bursting forth with life right under our noses when we have faith and keep the right path. It was there all along but as we trudge through the hard times it seems so difficult to appreciate and before you know it spring has arrived. Thank you for insight.
Thank God for always being there through the good times, never failing me in the hard times and walking next to me in the everyday mundaneness in the middle! Amen
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Amen, amen, amen!!
Amen
Spiritual insight, knowing the will of God. Man, sometimes it can be so hard!, Trying to hear His direction with life’s issues. I’m in the middle of that right now…. seeking new employment, or asking for a heart that like my current position better – which ever is His will. Hoping I get it right. Praying for eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart to comprehend.
GLORIOUS inheritance… think on that, sweet She’s! ❤️
❤ anything new on the medical issues?
Nope! Feel like I’m barking up lots of trees and getting nowhere. Thank you for asking. Felt a bit better today, at least. Maybe the iron supplementation is starting to work…
Continued prayers for answers. Glad you had a good day! ❤
Hello Shes
Memo to myself. Rebecca reminds in my troubles there’s a better path to trample & tend … through the way of the Spirit…
“We too often fixate on the “sufferings of this present time” (Romans 8:18) and fail to look outward and upward.”
Amen & Amen
From v. 18-19
• HOPE of his calling,
• WEALTH of his glorious INHERITANCE in the saints
• immeasurable greatness of his POWER toward us who BELIEVE
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I am sharing again the chorus from the beautiful song I found and shared recently by People and Songs. Easy chorus to learn quickly and very soothing to my spirit. The song was inspired by ‘Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus’. Here is the simple chorus:
♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪
I lift up my head, I sing out a song
I’ll fix my eyes on Jesus
‘Til the things of this earth all pass away
I’ll fix my eyes on Jesus ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪
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Have a blessed day sisters knowing you are covered in love and prayer.
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TINA, I miss you and pray the darkness is quickly replaced by His incredible LIGHT. ❤
OOPS – forgot to name the song:
I’ll Fix My Eyes on You
by People and Songs
You find the best songs Cee Gee! Love this one too! Thank you for sharing.
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Love this song and listen to it often.
Turn your eyes toward Jesus
1. O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
2. Thro’ death into life everlasting,
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion–
For more than conqu’rors we are!
3. His Word shall not fail you–He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
FAITH, see the song I just shared!!! I saw your post after writing my comment! ❤❤❤
Love this one too ❤️
Forgot to say that is one song I could play fairly well on the piano and played often when I was younger. ❤
Another song that brings great memories and a wonderful message.
I love the premise of seeking after the Lord…wanting, desiring, needing Him. Oh how we see the world seeking after money, sex, power, and fame, the perfect body… It is never ending and draining in the end. I hunger for the Lord and eat up His word and it makes me more hungry. It makes you insatiable for Him, our God. It wasn’t until I started reading the word daily and studying it that this need and understanding happened. Many can go their whole Christian life not even opening their bibles, only attending church. This creates only a lukewarm Christian. I like the term “Christ follower” better. He is the Lord of my life, not just my Savior. He reveals more and more as we journey down the path with Him and it is beautiful and AMAZING.
Amen! ❤
Amen!
This is so timely. I am part of the prayer team at my church, but lately, I’ve been having doubts about whether I’m equipped to be praying in public. We stand at the front of the church and as the worship team sings, people can come up and we pray with them. But these nagging doubts continue to tell me that I’m not prepared for this. I honestly don’t know if it’s my introvert nature making me anxious. But I’m glad this devotional touched on this and gave me some passages to ponder on.
You KNOW I feel you…I have been doing it over a year, not every Sunday because I just feel like I’m not a “good” prayer warrior..I mean I just can’t find the right words. But usually God sends me just the right people that it does come out what they need to hear. Don’t question yourself if you are good…it’s IF you love God and love people then you are equipped!
Keep praying! It’s not about how well we can pray, it’s about bringing obedient to pray. You pray, God does the work!
Praying that you won’t feel nervous ministering to others through prayers. Such a beautiful thing that you are stepping up to do.
“our prayers may be awkward. our attempts may be feeble. but since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference” Max Lucado
I struggle with this too. I have all the words alone and can journal but praying with others in person doesn’t come easily for me. Maybe we get better at it as we keep doing it and maybe it’s good that we stay humble and honest in prayer with others. I pray you keep trying and praying for improvement for us too!
Maria, when I worked as a chaplain, I was often at a loss for words of what I was going to say or pray for with the patients I was visiting. Whenever I took the time to ask the Holy Spirit to give me the words to say, I was amazed when I knew just what to say when the moment came. And how often a patient would say that was exactly what they needed to hear.
Ask for the Holy Spirit to give you the words to pray with the people who come to you for prayer. This is a really great prayer opportunity your church is making available.
Comforting to know The Holy Spirit reads my heart when I don’t know how to pray for my burdens…
good morning, friends. i am asking for some prayer for my boyfriend. he is 29 and has already had back surgery, and has now been out of work on workman’s comp from a nursing shift in the ER. he has had injections, and is now waiting to see if they will refer him to a surgeon. i am praying for no fusion, as that sets off a chain reaction and he isn’t even 30 yet. he was working as a nurse to pay off loans, so he can go back to school to then go to med school. now, he is feeling lost and unsure about the future. i am asking for prayers to give him discernment, and to feel the closeness of god in this current situation. sometimes i try to pray and i can’t form a thought bc i am overwhelmed with grief for him and the pain he is in. his name is josh, and if yall have some time and happen to read this, i know he would appreciate the intercession.
Praying for your boyfriend. I can “hear” your grief through you words, and my heart goes out to the both you. YOU are BOTH covered in prayer.
Praying for Josh. I know another guy his age with ongoing back pain and it’s so hard. My son also walked through some of that. Praying for healing, no surgery and that the shots work. Also for encouragement from the Lord for both of you. Praying for all the other requests as well…munchkin, Indiana, and more. ❤️
Taylor Hite, praying for Josh as he goes through this difficult time. May God heal his body and may he find strength and hope in Jesus.
Praying for Josh and for God to reveal His love for him in healing his back injury and giving you both His peace.
Taylor and JOSH, prayers for healing, wisdom in how to proceed in treatment options and job options. Praying Josh is drawn into a deeper relationship with Jesus and finds comfort and peace in the waiting. Prayers for your heart and your part in this, TAYLOR. ❤
Praying for Josh now!
Praying for Josh!
His will be done… and peace for you both. What a hard thing…
Praying for Josh that all will be well, that this is a just set up for God’s glory and a testimony to be displayed. May you have hope and confidence in the power of His love for you and Josh.
“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart…I want to see “YOU”
❤ love that song!!!
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Wonderful devotions today from SRT and HRT.
Excerpt from HRT: Paul prayed for the light in our hearts to go all the way up, so we can see, know, hope, and believe again in the immeasurable , peerless power at work in us. Paul wants us to know how good we have it in Jesus. As believers we have a never-ending glory headed our way!! Thank you Jesus!
Wow, I needed this today! I want to always look outward and upward to our Lord.
Sisters, I need your prayers. My brain has been on overdrive. My depression and anxiety has been kicking in and I feel as if I’m sinking. Please pray for me.
Praying for you this morning, Munchkin.
Praying! When I have these days I like to blast “fear is not my future” by maverick city. It’s our anthem, and I pray that you may know the hope to which he has called you today, and his INCOMPARABLY great power in you like the working of HIS mighty strength.
Yes, I agree…Praise. Anxiety and depression can compete when you turn to being grateful and praising the Lord! I love Tauren Wells “Take it all Back!”
Another great new song is Tasha Layton with Chris Brown “Worship Through it.”
Lord, You hear our cries. Please be with our sister. Flood her with Your peace.
Oh…sweet Munchkin…praying this very moment for you.
I had a similar battle with Lyme disease
I’ll be praying for you Munchkin. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the One who loves you more than you can imagine and will never leave you.
Praying you can feel the arms of Jesus wrapped around you, filling you with peace and strength.
Praying, Munchkin!
Hello Munchkin
Borrowed from Dawn & paraphrased from HRT…
“Praying that the light (though dim) in YOUR heart go all the way up, so YOU can see, know, hope, and believe in the immeasurable, peerless power at work in YOU.”
YES! YOU!
Thanks be to God!
MUNCHKIN, sending up a prayer right now! Please look up the chorus I mentioned in my comment above “I’ll Fix My Eyes” by People and Songs. I find such comfort in singing it out loud.
Praying for you
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Praying for you Munchkin! Keep. your eyes on Jesus as many have already said. He will pull you through. ❤️
Munchkin, I’m lifting you up in prayer that God will quiet your mind, give you rest from the anxiety, and heal your depression.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:15-19 of the beauty and unity of praying for one another. In all of his prayers for others, they were always spiritually minded – praying for the saints to know God better, to have a deeper relationship with him. He leaves so many good prayer models for us to follow. His prayer for this church, was that God would give the Spirit of wisdom and revelation – in order that they would know Him (God) better. May that continuously be the desire of all of our hearts, to know Him more.
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So often when I read the bible I ask “how does this apply to me” when I should be asking – “what does this tell me about God?”
I heard someone say recently that she heard this from a pastor and tries to apply it…”When reading my bible, don’t “look for me”, look for God. What does He love? What does He hate? What motivates Him to do what He does?”
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Father God, open the eyes of our heart. Help us to see You. Help us to know You more. Help us to love what You love and hate what you hate. Give wisdom and revelation that we may know you better. In Jesus Name.
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@Indiana Linda – praying for your upcoming surgery.
~Happy Tuesday She’s!~ ❤️
Sharon, are you talking about Tara Leigh cobble and the Bible recap? I did that plan last year and that exact heart posture of praying that before I read scripture changed my life! My eyes were opened in supernatural ways. Thank you for your prayer for us!
When my husband was in seminary, he had a professor that gave them the assignment to do this for an OT book (I think it might have been Numbers or something). They had to wade through each verse asking themselves, what does this say about God? I remember talking about it with him because some of them were so enlightening even though on the surface, they seemed like strange commands from God. I now often use this model as I read the Bible and it really does help to read the Bible as God intended it. To read it as a revelation of Him and not ourselves. We always make everything about ourselves, don’t we?
Yes, we do. One of my favorite studies was “Free of Me” by Sharon Hood Miller. It really now makes me think the same…pointing everything about God, not myself! (well, trying!)
And also… someone once told me… when readings are hard (especially in the OT)… look for Jesus. He is written all over every page. As many have quoted this song… “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord”.
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WE WANT TO SEE YOU!
Thank you!❤️
Asking God today for spiritual wisdom and revelation. (1:17)
Paul’s prayer – how awesome is our God!
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TERESA DONLEY & MERCY – thank you for the stories yesterday
MARI V – praying Alyssa adjusts well to college
CEE GEE – amen to yesterday ❤️
INDIANA ELAINE – praying for a smooth surgery tomorrow and great recovery. My MIL had both knees replaced at the same time in her early 80’s and did great – key I think is being committed to the PT regimen.
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Sisters, prayer request for me today as I have a procedure for temporary relief from the pain. May last several months if it works for me. Thank you!
God please covering dear Searching and give her wisdom and peace as she seeks to be healed. Thank you that you are with her through this entire procedure and keeping her near to You, always. Please help her to recover well and take care of herself in the days forward. Thank you, Jesus, for the help she is receiving. Thank you for watching out for her and hemming her in on all sides. We thank you, Jesus, amen.
Cover **
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Praying for you this morning Searching. May God use this procedure to give you relief from your pain. ❤️
Praying for you
Praying this will work for you!
Praying for you right this moment.
Thank you for praying for Alyssa. First day went well. She walked (its only 1.5 miles), but its still SO hot here that it was uncomfortable. BUT she loved her professor!
I couldn’t see the “period” in the 1.5 and I was like..what! haha. But a mile and a half is a pretty long way to walk every time to go and back in these days where most kids would complain for sure. Praying for a good year.
Praying in agreement with our sisters here – for success, no complications or side effects, rest, rest, rest for your mind and body, SEARCHING! Using the music from Tauren Wells song that Rhonda mentioned (Take it all Back):
Turn it all off,turn it all off. Haha That just popped into my head and I hope it will give you a chuckle. Love and gentle hugs!!! ❤
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Praying dear Searching. God loves you so much.
Thank you for your prayers!❤️. Praying for your procedure today and hope all goes well and praying it brings relieve. Pain can be so wearing!!
Searching, I pray that the procedure will bring you complete and long lasting relief from pain. May God bless you with his peace as you have the procedure.
Amen!! Loving this study and time the Lord’s Word. So thankful we can come to our Father for wisdom, strength, hope and guidance and that we don’t have to have these qualities or do this alone. He is our sustainer and peace. ❤️
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling”
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O, please enlighten my heart Jesus. Fill it with the hope that is only found in you. Help me to see what you are calling me to THIS day.
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CANDACE SMITH – agreeing with you in prayer for the needed volunteers and wisdom for you.
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INDIANA ELAINE – yea, you got through the summer as you wished! Praying all goes well with your surgery tomorrow.
Thank you for the prayers!❤️
Good morning! I’m up an hour earlier than usual because the Midwest Heat Wave has cause us to move our XC practice to optional before school runs. While I’m a volunteer coach (the other guy is paid), the girls on the team like for me to run with them. One of the girls specifically came up to me after practice yesterday and asked if I would be there this morning. I ran through what my morning would have to look like and said yes. I know from a mutual friend that this girl and her family need Jesus. If He is calling me to an early morning run to be His beacon, then I’ll do it, even if I’m not allowed to speak His name. I can show His love and plant seeds.
Be encouraged. It is not in vain when we “plant seeds” – one day they will take root and begin to grow! ❤️
I pray God gives you the boldness to share His love as He leads you!
Even when we aren’t allowed to speak his name, our students can feel the Holy Spirit.
I was a public school teacher for many years and I started to become more bold in sharing about my faith. When I had the students share on Mondays about their weekend, I would share my weekend and mention that I went to church. At times, in conferences, I would share with parents about a program at my church or say that I prayed for someone. I also became much more open with my teammates about my faith and I always kept Bible verses on my desk. Don’t be afraid to share about your own personal faith. We are allowed as teachers and coaches to talk about ourselves. I look at it this way, if gay teachers are allowed to openly talk about their sexual orientation, then I am allowed to talk about my spiritual orientation. It doesn’t mean you are preaching or proselytizing, but as you develop a relationship with a student or family, you are allowed to share your personal faith. I think Christians are often silenced by the World by fear and it truly is without any merit.
AGREE 100%
Like you, Laura, I taught for many years. I did share my faith with students often in private settings. Imagine my surprise when thirty some years later a student called me to say he had found his way back to Jesus.
Good word, Laura!
Praying for the Lord to give you opportunity to share the good news with this sweet girl!
Go girl!
AGREE 100% Praying for you G!! I’m the first one in the TK room and I start to pray over all the cubbies of our students and at times mention to the adults/teachers/staff about going to church or even say I’m praying for them when they express hardship.
Yes, G!
Rise early & May the Son shine through you!
The “implanted Word”. The “illumination” of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God!
Please don’t let the fear of man muzzle you. In relationship building, we are allowed to share our values, our stories and also to share our best friend. I love talking about my best friend Jesus :) and it’s the most beautiful friendship worth being told. Let the little children come to Me.
Can’t wait to hear this story come full circle- I believe God is using your obedience and proclaiming in His name you will see the fruit of this obedience!!!
Proverbs 2 was a really influential way to start my day this morning. And I’m feeling called for a search of spiritual wisdom (looking outward and up today for sure) and ready to take on the day. Thank you for sharing the additional scriptures each day.
Thank you Father!
Amen and Amen
Proclaiming His goodness to me, mine and all around me. Raising my voice and arms as I sing.. off key, on key, wonky..
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Open the eyes of my heart Lord..
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Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
You are holy, holy, holy
I want to see you
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
You are holy, holy, holy
I want to see you
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
I want to see you
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
I want to see you
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy,
I want to see you
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy,
I want to see you
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy,
I want to see you
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy,
I want to see you..
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As you see me Lord, may I also see you to the best of my ability!
Holy, Holy,Holy..
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ..
I feel them coming , the tears roll down my cheeks, thankful tears… thank you Lord God, Thank you..
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BUT GOD..
AMEN.
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Happy Tuesday dear hearts..❤️
Prayers ongoing..❤️
❤️❤️❤️
Singing with you,Tina ❤️
Such a good song to pray and sing ❤️
Amen! Thank you Tina! …We have been singing this song in our church for years. Although the song may “grow old” – the message never changes…Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see you. ❤️
Love this song… ❤️
One of my favorite worship songs.
Oh…..sweet Tina we must of been singing “together” but in different time zones! Happy Tuesday sweet lady! LOVE you to the moon and back!!
Singing along! Covered requests with prayers.
I love this song. Happy Tuesday dear Tina.
One of my favorites especially when we finish a Cappella at church! Somehow I missed seeing your comment this morning! ❤