Seeing Through the Eyes of Grace
Jesus, Lord of All, we come to You today in a state of thanks praising You for Your grace. *Thank You for seeking us out when we have nothing to give in return. Thank You for covering us in a great love that has nothing to do with us; but everything to do with who You are. Thank You for loving us, not because we deserve it, not because of our intrinsic qualities, not because You get something in return, but simply because You have chosen to love us. Thank You for choosing to love us richly and fully and sacrificially and powerfully - for reaching down to a people who constantly push back against You in rebellion*. Thank You for loving us, for dying for us WHILE we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)
Jesus, Lord of Glory, Please help us meditate today on Your grace. Please open us up to the work of the Holy Spirit to supernaturally weave an understanding of Your grace into every fiber of our being. Please teach us to approach Your throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) Please reveal to us how Your grace teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11-12) Lord, open our eyes to see Your graciousness, compassion and justice. (Isaiah 30:18) Please help us to finish the race, to complete the task You have given us, testifying to the good news of Your grace. (Acts 20:24)
Jesus, Lord of our Righteousness, we hold up again today our loved ones, those who once saw but no longer see. Please draw them to the dead end of their rebellion, to the point where they feel hunger and loneliness and desire for grace. Please open their eyes to see that they have sinned against You and the Father. That they are not worthy to be called Your child. Please help them to feel the magnitude of Your love, forgiveness and grace. Please help them to desire it so greatly that they rise and come towards You. Please receive them as You taught - “but while he was still a long way off, the Father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” Jesus, our great desire is to celebrate with You and heaven the return of our loved ones. Those who are spiritually dead, to be made alive again, those who are lost to be found. (Luke 15:11-24) We offer up all of these prayers in Your Holy and precious name Jesus. Amen
*Paul Zahl’s definition of Grace*
