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) 
 

For the preaching of the cross

The Bible says...
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 KJV

Intercessory Prayer

"The Power of Intercessory Prayer" by Angela Overton.

 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

Several years ago in Bible College, I developed an undeniable burden for a family member who had fallen away from God. I entered into a season of fasting and prayer for this individual, believing that God was going to do something miraculous in their life. One afternoon, I entered the prayer room, and a spirit of intercession came over me.

I prayed for almost five hours; it was physically exhausting, and I felt like an iron ball was in my stomach, weighing me down, causing me to remain tethered to the floor. In those few hours, it was as though I felt all of the shame, heartache, fear, regret, and pain of my loved one. My burden was great. In my desperation, I cried out to the Lord, “Take this burden from me, it’s too heavy for me to bear anymore.”

At that moment the Lord spoke to my spirit so beautifully said, “What you have felt for your family member, I have felt for the whole world.”

I proceeded to weep and thank God for His great love for humanity.



We serve a God who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15), meaning everything you have gone through, our Savior has carried it personally on the cross.

There is a power of intercessory prayer because when we pray in our understanding, we pray our prayer; we pray our own will. However, intercessory prayer lends oneself completely to God. Essentially, you say, “God, pray your prayers through me, I desire to be a vessel.”

I’m thankful to share with you that the person I prayed for that day years ago is now back in church and actively serving in ministry. God hears every prayer you pray and He loves your family and friends even more than you do. Continue to seek His face and yield your spirit to God’s.

(Information from: Pure Ministry Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesconnections-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com)