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A Prayer about Jesus’ Triumph and the Fragrance of Grace

     But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Cor. 2:14
     Dear Lord Jesus, I greet and praise you this day for being a most merciful and mighty Savior-King. No one is as generous or as loving as you. You completely save those who come to you in faith; and the very faith we need for coming to you, you freely give us in the gospel.
     You’re the great warrior of the heart, who has come to overthrow the reign of sin by the reign of grace. You are the victorious King—without rivals or an equal. Indeed, you are the ruler of the kings of the earth (Rev. 1:5).
     Jesus, I gladly take my place in the triumphant procession Paul described in this passage. I humbly assume the posture of both the conquered and the conqueror. I praise you for rescuing me from the dominion of darkness, a kingdom in which I was both a willing citizen and a desperate slave.
     Only the gospel was powerful enough to set me free. Thank you for triumphing over me and in me. I’m also grateful to be among those released for a life of announcing your triumph of mercy and grace. What more could I want for the rest of my life than to be someone through whom the fragrance of the gospel is released—the aroma of forgiveness and freedom; the kingdom cologne of reconciliation and restoration; the fragrant bouquet of healing and freedom? What an honor and privilege.
     And I praise your, Lord Jesus, that the life of the gospel is not a preoccupation with the “victorious Christian life” but a preoccupation with you, the victorious Christ. You are my loving master, not my private masseuse. Forgive me when my prayers reflect a greater commitment to my comfort than to your kingdom. Forgive me for “claiming” things you never promised. Give me much more joy in living in your story for your glory than in living for my little narrative of personal peace and affluence.
     Wherever you take me in the triumphant procession of the gospel is the best place to be. However you want to spread the fragrance of knowing you is the best way for me to live. Whatever you are pleased to do with my “jar of clay” to release the treasure of the gospel, to your heart and hand of providence, I surrender. So very Amen I pray, in your grace-filled and glorious name.

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