Ordinary Time

Pause

Nobody ever wants grace until they reach that point where they don’t just want it, they absolutely need it. Grace always comes undeserved and often unexpected. But when grace arrives, there really is nothing sweeter.

Welcoming God’s grace is an act of trust. Extending God’s grace is an act of mercy. They are two sides of the same coin. When the opportunity arrives to welcome grace, only a fool would pass it by.

Listen

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:1–2, 5–6

Think

How long did we focus on the death we feared, rather than the love we were made for? How many years did we waste in pain and lament?

All of it has been redeemed by the grace of God working beside us.

Sing the song of freedom! Life has been renewed through the love that will not die.

How long shall the eternal song be sung? I trust in that steadfast love!

David Schaefers

Pray

By power and grace, you did it, O Lord. You sought out and redeemed the one that was lost and lonely. You connected the dots. You turned over every stone. I was found by your grace and by your grace I was bound to your glory. I see how you reach into the darkness and bring the dead back into the light. You are the bearer of life. O thanks be to you, that you have redeemed me! Shalom.

Go

God knows we are not perfect! We are on a journey that has peaks and valleys, but the important thing isn’t the destination, it is our traveling partner. God extends grace to us, sometimes when we know we need it; sometimes when we don’t know. Welcoming the grace of God is the first step along the path to a new life.

God knows we learn from our mistakes. We grow wiser with each day and with each new experience. By the grace of God, we grow! Thank God for that and step out into uncharted adventures, where God’s grace abounds.