Read Proverbs Chapter 20.
“The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord made them both.” Proverbs 20:12 CSB
Shama is the Hebrew word for hearing in this verse; its meaning is “to hear intelligently”. Seeing, in its original form means, “to see that one can learn to know.” This is my favorite prayer, for anyone, including myself. Learning the original meanings of these words makes it ever more so.
We can’t change other people. It is one of the hardest truth’s to learn and accept. It can be so clear to the observer the destructive path others are choosing to walk. Nothing is more heartbreaking than not being able to do anything about their choices. But you can do this. You can pray for them to have ears to hear and eyes to see. You can pray that they hear intelligently the truth that is being presented to them. You can pray that they will see so that they can learn to know. I think it is one of the most effective prayers you can pray for someone headed in the wrong direction.
Paul tells us in his letter to the Corinthians 13:12 NIV: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” None of us can see the whole picture. We only see in part. Praying for people to have ears to hear and eyes to see is asking God to give them a little more insight. It is asking Him to let them see the truth.
Ears to hear and eyes to see can right the ship.
A recent study revealed the Titanic could have been saved. The officer on duty was warned of the iceberg in its path. William Murdock waited 30 seconds before he changed the course of the ship. If he had acted immediately 1496 lives may have been saved. One could argue that was his reaction time, and it was quick, no doubt. But what if he had had ears to hear and eyes to see long before the warning he did receive. What if he had been able to see in whole, not just in part? What difference would it have made in the story of this disaster? What if someone had been praying for him to have ears to hear and eyes to see?
Don’t give up. Pray: Ears to hear, Eyes to see. Watch how God steers the ship.
