“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” Eph. 3:8
Heavenly Father, on this October Sunday, we want to thank you for those who preach/teach/show/share the Gospel of your grace with us. Performance-ism, legalism, and moralism; self-help, religion and irreligion all failed us miserably. Only the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom.1:16).
“Boundless riches” almost seems like an understatement, when we consider every good thing you’ve given us in Jesus. Our guilt is gone and our shame is shattered. We’re rooted in your love and standing in your grace, clothed in Christ’s righteousness and citizens of heaven… and that’s just for starters.
Indeed, thank you for the servants of grace you’ve placed in our lives—many who serve you vocationally; many are “simply” friends who have faithfully “bugged” and beckoned us to taste and see that you are good. Some of them fill pulpits, some play pickle ball with us, some work where we work, some get chemo where we do… but they all have this in common—they want us to know you and the riches of your grace. Thank you, and increase their tribe, Abba.
May the Gospel stay precious and powerful in their hearts. May your love for them grow sweeter, Jesus’ beauty more compelling, and the hope of heaven be more certain and tantalizing than ever. On a daily basis, grant them Gospel-sanity and quick repentances. Give them seasons of laughter and joy at just the right time. May we remain a prayerful and encouraging presence in their lives. So Very Amen.