Divine Illumination

"Divine Illumination: The Anointed Eyes" 
According to John 9:5-7, Jesus “anoints” the eyes of a blind man with mud and saliva, enabling him to see. This event serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation and the illumination of one's heart and mind. It also teaches us about the importance of faith, the compassion of Christ, and the transformative power of the Gospel.

The story of Jesus anointing the eyes of the blind teaches us several essential life lessons:

    The power of faith: Like the blind man, we need to have faith in Jesus and entrust ourselves to His transformative power.
    The compassion of Christ: Jesus demonstrated His love and compassion by healing the blind man. We, too, should show kindness and compassion to others, especially those in need.
    Spiritual blindness: Reflecting on our own lives, we should examine if we are spiritually blind or lack understanding of the truth. We should seek Jesus' intervention to open our spiritual eyes.
    Transformation through Christ: Just as the blind man's life changed completely after encountering Jesus, we can find new life and purpose in Him. We should allow Jesus to transform us from within, opening our eyes to His truth.

Pray:
    Pray for a deepening of faith: Ask God to strengthen our faith in Him and to help us trust Him fully, even in challenging circumstances.
    Pray for compassionate hearts: Seek God's guidance to develop a compassionate attitude towards others, particularly those who are disadvantaged or facing difficulties.
    Pray for spiritual sight: Ask the Lord to open our eyes to spiritual truths and grant us wisdom and understanding of His Word.
    Pray for transformation: Invite Jesus to bring transformation in our lives, to renew our minds, and to empower us to live according to His will.

Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler
WNOP International Harvest Prayer Coordinator
(Info from Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com) 

Spiritual Eyesight

"Spiritual Eyesight with Insight"
The Power of Focused Prayer.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

King David knew that his help came from above, that it why he set his spiritual eyesight on the Lord. Likewise, we too must cast our vision upon the Lord in focused prayer, and present to Him specific needs according to His divine will. 

Focused Prayer: This entails targeting specific needs in prayer that special attention is given to. In the context used here, the word focus means “to cause to be concentrated; a center of activity, attraction, or attention.” In effective, focused prayer it is important to identify the need(s) and to be specific, in accordance to God’s purpose and will. 

In Mark 10:46-52, Blind Bartimaeus prayed an unspecific (general) prayer, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” He cried unto Jesus. However, there are many mercies in the Bible, so Jesus then asked him what he specifically wanted. In reply, Bartimaeus answered, “Lord, that I might receive my sight.” He now spoke specifically, and Jesus granted his request! God wants us to have spiritual “eyesight with insight” and at times to render focused prayer that is specific. In doing so, such prayer should be accompanied with an expectant heart and unwavering faith, as we focus on the Problem Solver and not the problem.

Years ago, when I was a college student, I purchased a $60 Bible study chart as I endeavored to teach Bible studies to reach souls on campus and abroad. Shortly thereafter, I met a less financially fortunate couple at a fellowship event who were new to the church and just beginning in ministry. The Lord spoke to me to give away my Bible Study chart to this couple. I focused in on prayer later that God would somehow replace this chart with another one, or with funds to buy it. The very next day, my non-apostolic brother came to visit. He was not aware that I had given away my chart. While departing from his stay, he suddenly turned back around and gave me $60 as a gift. Wow! God had answered my focused prayer! Prayer works!

By looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith the eyes of our understanding will be enlightened. “To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary” (Psalm 63:2). As we experience the power of focused prayer when we lift up specific needs to Him, greater than ever, God will give us spiritual eyesight with insight, and do great things! 

Flo Shaw
Director
World Network of Prayer
(Info from Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com) 
 

Turn your Eyes

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

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

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

AMEN