Pray with Hope

Ephesians 1:18

Eyes are useless without light. Paul prays for the “eyes of your heart” to be “enlightened” (i.e., to be given light; the Greek word has the same root, “phôs/light”). And what does Paul want us to see with the light of the Holy Spirit? Hope. And not just hope for a sort of nice, vaguely decent life, but for the “riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” This is not a “someday I’ll go to Heaven” hope but an in-dwelling hope for an inheritance we can activate now, because we are set aside to glorify God here and now. We are His saints.    


Questions for further thought:
1. Does the light of hope illuminate your prayers?

2. Do you feel bold enough to claim the title of “saint”?   


Challenge: While you are praying, imagine the eyes of your heart being illuminated with a beam of light. Remember your glorious hope in Jesus. Dare for just a moment to be a saint. If it helps, think of how you could shine if Jesus stood next to you.