“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

This week, the Lord answered a prayer so big that it will be talked about for generations. It will begin, “Remember when God …”.  This was a life changing answered prayer. I was so grateful that I found myself praising Him more often in prayer and through song. The peace I felt left a permanent smile on my face.

After a few days, my mind started thinking about what I could do to replicate the answered prayer. What was I doing around that time and what could I do to make sure that more prayers were answered?  I twisted it and made it about me, about works.  Not about His grace and mercy. Ugh!  Pure ugliness! When I recognized what I was doing, I quickly asked for forgiveness for taking His gift and cheapening it by thinking that I had anything to do with it.

I didn’t deserve the answered prayer.  But being the Father that He is, He showed us mercy and gave us this gift. When our parents give us gifts, there isn’t an expectation they receive something in return, except maybe a heart-felt thank you and a big hug.  We don’t really analyze what we did to deserve the gift, we are simply gracious and thankful.  And that is what I am going to do.  I am grateful for His mercy and humbled by His grace.

Father, Thank You for your grace and mercy when we don’t deserve it.  Your love is unfailing and unending.  Help us to show Your love to others as praise for what You have done in our lives.  In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.