Set your hope fully on the grace
that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13
Heavenly Father, from beginning to end, you’ve always and only dealt with us grace-fully—by everything Jesus is, has done, and is doing. By grace, you created us for a life of intimacy with yourself, and engagement in your world.
By grace, you raised us to newness of life in Jesus—rescuing us from death, rebellion, and ourselves. By grace, you relate to us every moment of every day—sovereign over our joys and sorrows. By grace you are healing and freeing us. For such a rich standing in grace, we praise, bless, and adore you.
And according to this Scripture, our future is defined by the fullness of your grace. Hallelujah! Grace in part will give way to grace-in-whole. Your generosity and faithfulness are unfathomable, Father.
So, as your beloved children—fully forgiven and righteous in Christ, we “set our hope” on the Day of future grace, even as we’ll continue to trust you for daily grace. Thank you for already giving us everything we need to live and love to your glory (2 Pet.1:3).
In this current season, we ask you for grace to be wise, patient, and loving during the ongoing reality of COVID. We also ask for grace to see, grieve, and repent of the ways bigotry, prejudice, and racism mark each of us more than we realize.
Father, keep us from falling (or jumping) from Gospel-spirituality back into performance-based living. And don’t let us turn your grace into something it isn’t—permission to disregard your Word and ways. By past, present, and future grace, make us increasingly like Jesus, Father. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ magnificent and merciful name.