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A Prayer about the Heart-liberating Power of Grace

      We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us2 Cor. 8:1-5

Dear heavenly Father, this one little gospel-vignette underscores why we can never emphasize your grace too much. Indeed, through Jesus you continue to give us grace upon grace; and more grace in the place of that grace. (John 1:16)

What an amazing story—the severely afflicted and extremely poor Christians of Macedonia became a model of radical freedom to the much wealthier believers in Corinth. Father, only the gospel is powerful enough to create this kind of contentment and joy, compassion and generosity.

For the glory of Jesus and the advancing of your kingdom, we ask you to give us the same grace you gave the churches of Macedonia. The needs all around us are exponential; but your resources are endless. Help us to excel in the grace of giving.

We know that you are “able to make all grace abound to [us], so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, [we] can abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). Enrich us in every way that we might be generous in every way (2 Cor. 9:11)—with our time, talents, and treasures.

On a weekend in which our retail-culture makes it very easy to spend on ourselves, by the power of grace—make it even easier and more fun for us to give to those in great need.

And liberate us for being generous in our relationships, as well, freely giving away the currency of patience and forbearance, forgiveness and more forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, you are the ultimate cheerful giver. That is what the gospel is all about. Though you were rich, you gladly became poor for us, that by your poverty we might become joyfully rich through you (2 Cor. 8:9). Make your gladness ours. Make your generosity ours. So very Amen we pray, in your great and gracious name.

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