Tuesday May 3, 2022

Today is Tuesday, May 3 and we are exploring what the bible says about the Means of Grace.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, in these first fifteen minutes of my day, I long to experience your presence. Come Holy Spirit, reveal what you want me to know about the power of sanctifying grace in my life. Enable me to hear the unique message you have for me in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

I seek the God who loves me and cry out to him in prayer with the words of Psalm 69.

I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Psalm 69:13,16

Pause and Pray

This week we are exploring what John Wesley, the eighteenth century founder of Methodism, taught the early Methodists regarding the Means of Grace. As we grow in Christian maturity we can only do so through the power of the Holy Spirit, not our own power. Wesley encouraged Christians to practice the Means of Grace – ordinary activities that God uses as channels for the Holy Spirit to work in the soul. These are tangible practices we can participate in to avail ourselves of the Spirit’s perfecting activity. The six Means of Grace are – the public worship of God, the ministry of the Word either read or expounded, the Lord’s Supper, family and private prayer, searching the scriptures, and fasting or abstinence. Today, let’s consider the practice of prayer.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

The bible says I can expectantly wait for God’s grace to work in me through prayer. I devote myself to a life of prayer. Jesus encourages me to find a quiet spot, go into my room and shut the door to pray to my Father (Matthew 6:6). Jesus promises if I ask, seek and knock, I will receive, find and discover. (Matthew 7:7-8). Through multiple parables, Jesus encourages me to persevere in prayer and inquire persistently of my Father in heaven. (Matthew 7:9-11, Luke 11:5-9, Luke 18:1-5). I am to petition God in confident faith and not waiver. I wait for the power of the Holy Spirit to renew and improve me from the inside out devoting myself to daily and constant prayer. I pray in all circumstances, I pray alone, I pray with family, I pray with friends and I pray with my faith community. (John Wesley, The Means of Grace)

Ask: When have I received answers to prayer? What are my current prayer habits and how can I increase and/or enrich my prayer life?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Father, your evident nearness is an abundant blessing. Thank you for reminding me to not be anxious or worried about anything. As I consider my current circumstances, I name my prayers, share my concerns, and lift my requests to you. Fill me with the goodness of your gentleness and peace. I read your words from Philippians again and listen for the message you have for me.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God wants to speak to me today about my prayer life. Prayer is a Means of Grace and a place where I can plug into the power of the Holy Spirit at work in my life. I reflect on the entirety of my Christian journey and how I have practiced prayer through the years. Perhaps I have already experienced the power of God’s grace working in me during times of prayer. Maybe I have enjoyed seasons where prayer was vital, powerful and rich. Perhaps I have also endured seasons when prayer was dull, lifeless and ineffectual. Maybe God is inviting me to explore new methods of prayer and/or strengthen my devotion to prayer.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, I invite the power of your grace to work in the depths of my soul. Teach me to pray, voicing my thoughts and emotions and listening with faithful attentiveness. Whisper your truths, guide my path, sanctify my spirit, fill me with your perfect love and grant me the joy of your abiding presence. Amen.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him. 1 John 5:13-15

As I leave this time of prayer, I go renewed in God’s love and empowered to joyfully share his goodness with others.

Amen