Prayers for Illumination on the Eyes

Adapted from Ephesians 1:17-19

Lord our God, we pray these same words written in Ephesians may true of us as we come to your Word today, we pray that you might give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation as we come to know you, so that, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we may know what is the hope to which he has called us, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, Amen.

Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.

Grant us ears to hear,

Eyes to see,

Wills to obey,

Hearts to love;

Then declare what You will,

Reveal what You will,

Command what You will, 

Demand what You will.

Christina Rossetti, Language modernized and adapted for Corporate Worship by Stuart Strachan Jr.

Almighty God, in you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Open our eyes that we may see the wonders of your Word; and give us grace that we may clearly understand and freely choose the way of your wisdom; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, your Word is more precious than fine gold, and sweeter than purest honey. As we turn to your Scripture, send your Holy Spirit to infuse your Word with truth and grace — so that the good news of your love would shine before our eyes and delight our senses … so that we cannot help but respond with wonder, faith and trust. Amen.

How we praise and thank You for the holy Scriptures which You have caused to be written for our learning. Thank You for Your written Word, which reveals to us the living Word of God, in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You that in Him has been revealed all wisdom and grace, all knowledge and understanding, all truth and hope, all life and light. And thank You Father, that in Him You have spoken to us, Your children.

Father, we now pray that you would illumine our minds more and more as we look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Open our eyes to see wondrous things in Your Word of truth. Open our ears to hear Your still small voice speaking to us the Words of life. And open our minds and cleanse our thoughts so that Your Holy Spirit may guide us into all truth. May we be increasingly willing to submit to His gentle promptings, so that He may guide us into Your way of peace. In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

O gracious and holy Father,

Give us wisdom to perceive you,

intelligence to understand you,

diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you,

eyes to see you,

a heart to meditate on you,

and a life to proclaim you,

through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Benedict of Nursia