Ephesians 1:17-18

Paul prayed joyfully and regularly for the Ephesians after he heard of their faith and their love for the saints. His first request in v. 17 is that God would grant them “the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,” and this request is clarified in v. 18 where he reveals just how this spiritual knowledge is transferred to believers: the eyes of our understanding must be enlightened.

For anyone to grow in the wisdom and the knowledge of God, the eyes of our heart must be opened to receive this revelation. Before we were saved, Satan was blinding our eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4). After we are saved, we can still become blind, like the Laodiceans. Since the devil and our human frailties all are working together to blind us, we should be vigilant to pray consistently that God would actively open the eyes of our understanding so we can continue to grow in grace.

So fellow pilgrim, do you yearn for the wisdom and knowledge of God for yourself, or for your spouse, children, and coworkers? Paul has given us not only the words to pray, but the reason why we should pray. God must open our eyes to see Him.

Tom Day