"Open the Eyes of My Heart"

Thursday - January 27th

Scripture to Read Today: Ephesians 1:15-23

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I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.

Ephesians 1:18

Paul Baloche's worship song "Open the Eyes of My Heart" has blessed followers for Christ for over two decades. Baloche based the song's lyrics on the Apostle Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church of the first century. The prayer, found in Ephesians 1:15-23, includes the line, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you" (verse 18).

Paul Baloche recorded the song and first featured it on his album "Open the Eyes of My Heart," which he released in 2000. Michael W. Smith recorded the song for his album "Worship." Smith's version became so popular that many internet references to the song inaccurately attribute Smith as the song's writer.

Over the last two decades, many other worship albums have included "Open the Eyes of My Heart." Country star Randy Travis included the song in his album, "Worship & Faith." Travis' version happens to be one of my favorite versions of the song.

In one interview, Paul Baloche described the response of the church to the song:

Of all the worship songs that I've written, it's amazed me how people have responded to this one so quickly. I've gotten more e-mails and calls and letters and responses from churches saying, "This is the theme of our church this year," or "This is the theme of our conference," or "This is the cry of our hearts."

It's great hearing people resonate with that same desire to say, "I've been in Christianity a long time, and that's not enough. I want to know Him. I want to see God. I want to wake up each day and be more aware of Your presence in my life. I want to see Your kingdom in the midst of this world, so I can be a part of it and I can do my part."

Baloche described how the song was birthed:

The Apostle Paul was writing a letter to the Ephesians, and he says in chapter one, verse eighteen, "I pray that the eyes of your heart would be enlightened." That verse stirred in my heart.

One morning, while playing during a worship time at my church, I began to sing that phrase over and over again: "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart." The whole song pretty much rolled off my tongue while prayerfully playing my guitar and singing out to Him. It really is a simple song that reflects the sincere prayer of my heart.

As you pray today, pray, "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord."

Enjoy Randy Travis' version of Baloche's song in this YouTube video (with lyrics)