When You Pray Lord, Open My Eyes to See
Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Joanne Viola, to encourage us as we pray: Lord, open my eyes to see.
When the email popped into my inbox, I had no idea yet of how this title was going to fully resonate with my daily life. I selected the subject more for the convenience of the due date than the subject. It’s for this reason, I share the timeline of my eye journey.
My driver’s license was set to expire on my birthday in February. Not being one to leave things to the last minute, I headed to the DMV to do the renewal, as this time I was not eligible to renew online.
Much to my surprise, I failed the eye exam. Yes, failed. Even with my contacts in, I did not pass.
This prompted a trip to my eye doctor in order to get signed off on my vision. It was at this brief appointment that my eye doctor reminded me of cataracts which had begun forming. She hinted that when it came time for my complete annual exam, we would know better then.
I went back to the DMV with my signed forms, received my driver’s license with restrictions, and left somewhat happy that at least I could drive until sundown.
But COVID happened, things were shut down, appointments were postponed, and my eye exam was rescheduled by the doctor for late September.
It was at that appointment, I was informed the cataracts had developed much quicker than expected. She went on to explain I should probably schedule another appointment with the doctor who could do the surgery should I agree.
That exam brought the confirmation that not only did I have cataracts which were quite developed and impeding my sight, but I also had an astigmatism. Long and short, I made all the necessary appointments to move forward with the corrective surgery.
Here I sit on a November morning and I remember there is a guest post I need to write. I open up the schedule and read the words on the schedule, which was emailed to me, “Lord, Open My Eyes To See.”
And I enjoy a good laugh with the Lord. Who could have known but Him, that on that morning, I would be sitting four days after my first eye surgery.
Only God. And my eyes have been opened – in more than one way.
God sees the beginning from the end, and tenderly weaves the details of our lives together.
Much the way His hand had been at work in the details coordinating this journey with my eyes, He is at work in the details of each of our journeys.
Nothing escapes His eyes, for His eyes are ever on each of us.
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-30, NLT)
The morning after my surgery, I headed into the bathroom and took note that my husband had put in all LED bulbs. Then heading into the kitchen, I noticed he had also replaced those. Only when in the family room with my Bible on my lap did I realize I could read without the assistance of my glasses or contacts.
It was not a change in light bulbs, but a change in my ability to see which I was noticing.
The psalmist knew also recognized his eyes needed God’s help to see:
Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your instructions. (Psalm 119:18, NLT)
Why do we need our eyes opened? Warren Wiersbe brings this insight:
The eyes have an appetite, and we must be careful where we focus them … we are students and our basic manual is the Word of God. However, unless God opens our eyes, we will never see the wonderful things hidden in its pages. His works are wonderful, and His love is full of wonders. We have the privilege to meditate on the wonder of His Person, His truth, and His mighty works.
As we are almost at Christmas Day, I am reminded of Simeon, an older man, most assume a priest, who was righteous, devout, and eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come. He was there in the Temple the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be presented. It was he who spoke these words as he held the Christ child in his arms:
Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as You have promised. I have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of Your people Israel! (Luke 2:29-32, NLT)
As we wait during this time of Advent, may we not only prepare our hearts but ask the Lord to open our eyes. He has wondrous things prepared for us, His people.
Lord, open my eyes to see.
Meet Joanne:
I celebrated my 41st wedding anniversary this year and am married to my very best friend in life. We live outside just north of Boston, MA. I am mom to two adult married children and am “Mimi” to three precious granddaughters, whom I have the joy of watching while their parents work.
I love to read and write, and began blogging so my family would always know my thoughts as I processed this journey of life.
A ministry which is dear to my heart is The Lulu Tree, where I serve on the governing board as treasurer.
I write on my blog Days & Thoughts. I can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
The Pray Big Sisterhood
Every morning, I wake up and lift my heart to God in prayer.
I praise Him for His glory and goodness.
I surrender my agenda and expectations to His greater kingdom purposes.
I yield my desires to do His will.
And, then I ask for Him to move a mountain.
I cry out to Him for that mountain to crumble.
I believe that God is bigger than any obstacle or stronghold.
Yet, my mountain remains — immovable and unyielding.
Do you have a mountain? I bet you do.
Like me, you may be discouraged by the darkness that looms large in your view.
You aren’t alone. If we sat down today in my kitchen and shared our stories, I bet we would see similarities.
Together, we would ask God to move two mountains.
With worshipful hearts, let’s keep crying out to the Lord for those mountains to crumble.
Let’s pray big!
Let’s ask God to help us have an expectant heart that is not overwhelmed by all the negativity in this world. Let’s pray big and believe God is bigger than the obstacles we are facing. Our Mighty God is going to do more than we can ask, think, or imagine as we pray with hope.
I also want to invite you to join a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for sisters to share our stories and surrender them to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s lift up holy hands together and pray big in community.
To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
If you are visiting from Joanne’s today,
welcome to my little space on the web!
Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you
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- LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
- PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
- HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
- STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve.
SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.
YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.
Challenge: Every day this week, start your day with this prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see.
ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.
CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
I love how you had a laugh with the Lord over the irony of writing about seeing after your eye journey. How we need God to open our eyes to the truth of who He is and the truths of His Word.
Barbara, seeing God in the daily activities of life is how I came to name my blog, Days & Thoughts. It is the way He most draws me to Himself. It has made my journey with Him most precious. Thank you for stopping here with me today! Blessings!
Don’t you love how God catches our attention? He knows we need a little nudge. 🙂
Lyli, thank you for inviting me to share my story. But more so, thank you for being a dear friend and sister who continually points me to Jesus.
Much love & Blessings,
Joanne
Love you, friend. I so needed your words this week. Asking God to give me a renewed perspective. HUGS
Joanne and Lyli!
Thanks for teaming up here to share so much wonderful encouragement! Yes, Lord, open my eyes!
Merry Christmas, friend. Asking God to give you a fresh vision for 2021. HUGS
Thank you for sharing your story, Joanne. How amazing the Lord weaved all these details together to help you focus on opening your eyes spiritually and now helping all of us who read this article. I pray the Lord really opens my eyes to see Him!
God really is all about the details! He never ceases to amaze me.
Merry Christmas, Friday girl. You are loved. xo
I love those God winks and pray your surgery is smooth and sucessful.
Love that you call it a God wink, Lauren. Merry Christmas to ya. 🙂
I used to pray that Psalm at the beginning of every prayer time. Thank you, Joanne for the gentle reminder. And I look forward to your hosting Let’s Have Coffee in the New Year!
This is a great Scriptural prayer. I usually pray it as I am starting my quiet time.
Love you, Sue. Merry Christmas to ya! 🙂