Mercy and Grace

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer for Fresh Mercy and Need-Shaped Grace

     For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

     Dear Jesus, we run to you this morning on behalf of many in need of fresh mercy and need-shaped grace. Our greatest joy in life is knowing you to be a sympathetic, compassionate and generous High Priest. We come boldly to your throne of grace because you went gladly to the cross of shame, for us. You are the Lamb of God who took away our sin and the Shepherd of grace who gives us exactly what we need, at just the right time in just the right form.
     Jesus, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Japan, and for the whole nation. Images of horror flooded our senses yesterday as we watched cars and structures tossed about like acorns on an angry sea. By your promise, Jesus, one Day the knowledge of your glory will cover Japan like the waters cover the sea. In light of that Day, bring help and hope in this day. In this great disaster, reveal your glory and your grace. Strengthen your people to love well and serve their neighbors. Write many stories of redemption through the waters of this exceedingly hard providence.
     Jesus, though the collateral damage and pain are not as apparent to the naked eye, we pray just as earnestly for brothers and sisters in our neighborhoods and in our churches—friends who are experiencing earthquakes in their marriages, finances and health, and all kinds of emotional and spiritual tsunamis.
     Mighty and merciful Savior, bring grace for the moment into many situations which weigh heavy on our hearts. Prove yourself to be the God who does exceedingly beyond all we could ask or imagine, for your name’s sake. Speak peace to the storm and the angry waves. Make the real issues undeniably clear to all parties concerned. Don’t let deep wounds be healed superficially. Bring the powerful balm of the gospel to bear. Don’t let the brief relief of anesthetics to be mistaken for the healing that is desperately needed—the healing you alone can bring.
     Jesus, bring much glory to yourself in the coming hours and days. Use each of us as you would in these various crucibles and crises. We are weak and weary, but you are powerful and loving. We rise from our knees to put legs on our prayers. So very Amen, we pray with confidence, in your great and glorious name.