First Magherafelt - Prayer Blog: 2026

Tuesday, 8 September 2026

The Manifold and Multi-Colored Grace of God

SCOTTY SMITH

The Manifold and Multi-Colored Grace of God

SCOTTY SMITH

Whatever our need, “God gives us more grace—fresh grace in the place of previous grace—grace at just the right time.” (James 4:6, John 1:16, Heb.4:16)

Heavenly Father, on this September 2026 Monday, we praise you for—as Peter called it, your “manifold, multi-colored” grace (1Pet.4:10).

Just when we’re about to run away, do something we’ll later regret, or trade in our family for a Diet Coke—you give us “shocking-grace”—shocking us back into our sensibilities. You start the Gospel-party, grill, and band—beckoning us back onto the dance floor of your great love (Luke 15:11-32).

Just when we’re about to throw in the hope-towel—you give us “sanity-grace.” You bring us back to the perspective of eternity, thinking that’s shaped by your Word, and a fresh sighting of Jesus’ empty tomb and occupied throne (Rev.4).

Just as we’re building our whine-float to enter in the pity-party parade—you give us “sanctifying-grace.” You convict us of our ingratitude, remind us of everything you have given us in Jesus, and bless us with the gift of condemnation-free repentance. Hallelujah, and thank you.

Just when we’re ready to give up on friends and family members ever coming to know you—you give us “super-abounding-grace” (Rom.5:20)—reminding us of this staggering, trustworthy promise: “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me” (Isa.65:1). Our calling is to love; only you can save.

Just when we’re close to giving into shame again—so tired of being so unlike Jesus so much of the time, you give us “serene-ing-grace”—a peace and assurance that cannot be found anywhere else. You remind us that Jesus is our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30) and that you will complete the good work of salvation you have started in us (Phil.1:6). Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.

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Sunday, 6 September 2026

Preferring Our State of Grace Over Every Other “State”

Heavenward

SCOTTY SMITH

Preferring Our State of Grace Over Every Other “State”

SCOTTY SMITH

Abba, you have put more joy in my heart than cynics, critics, and unbelievers who mock you as they enjoy their life of abundance. I prefer my state of grace over their full granaries and wine cellars. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you make me dwell in safety, O Lord. I am yours and that is enough. (pp Psalm 4:7-8)

Heavenly Father, grant us this same freedom and joy. A pantry full of “grain and wine” might be nice, but a heart full of your grace and peace is better by far. We thank you for the many creature-comforts you give us. But we adore you for the “state of grace” you have permanently given us in the Gospel.

Our culture, the devil, and our fickle hearts will deride us with questions like these: “Where is your God now? How can you say God is good? Where was your God when….? How could your God possibly…? Why doesn’t your God…?”

In our most Gospel-sane moments, may we reply: “When we lie down, it’s between the sheets of our Father’s sovereignty and everlasting love. Abba’s grace is our mattress, his kindness our pillow, and new mercies are our breakfast every day. Even when we don’t sleep well, we rest well knowing we belong to him.”

Life isn’t easy but there’s no better, safer place than to be in Christ. This doesn’t mean life is pain free, but it will never be hope empty. Not a hair can fall from our heads, not a breath can be taken from our lungs, and not a beat can be missed by our hearts apart from your will, Abba. There are no exceptions to your commitment to work in all things for our good. Every hot, salty, hurt-generated, mystery-laced tear we weep is destined to be wiped and its pain redeemed. Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.

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Saturday, 5 September 2026

Ever Have Decision-Making Angst?

Heavenward

SCOTTY SMITH

Ever Have Decision-Making Angst?

SCOTTY SMITH

“We plan and should do so; but God controls the GPS, our steps, route, pace, and outcomes.” (Paraphrase of Prov.16:9)

“Whatever doors, determinations, and delights, Jesus opens—no one can shut, and whatever Jesus shuts—no one can pry open.” (Paraphrase of Rev.3:7)

“My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isa.46:10)

Lord Jesus, if we take these Scriptures to heart and into life—we will live with less stress and more peace, less second guessing and more first love (Rev.2:4-5). You are faithfully working all things together after the counsel of your will (Eph.1:11)—no exceptions. You are working in all things for your glory and our good (Rm.8:28)—no exceptions.

Many years I labored under the arrogance and anxiety of assuming that if I prayed hard enough, was “single-minded” enough, and full enough of the Holy Spirit I could know the specifics of your will for my life before decision-making time.

THEN, if I bought the right car, it would never break down. If I bought the right house the roof would never leak. If I married the right person ,we would never disagree—much less fight. If I went to the right college I’d get the right job. If I sent my kids to the right school they’d never act up or act out. How naïve, self-centered, and contrary to the Scriptures.

You are certainly honored when we seek to do everything “in line with the truth of the Gospel” (Gal.2:14) and use sanctified common sense; but free us to live with more confidence that you are our Good Shepherd—not a consulting partner; our very present Lord—not an absentee landlord; our reigning King—not a hands-tied bystander.

You aren’t a game show host who sets 3 doors in front of us hoping we’ll choose wisely. You ARE the door, Jesus (Jn.10:9). Life is 100% about trusting the right Lord (you); not making the right decision. Whew, Yea, Verily, and So Very Amen.

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Friday, 4 September 2026

Hands on Fatherly Sovereignty

Heavenward

SCOTTY SMITH

Hands on Fatherly Sovereignty

SCOTTY SMITH

“The life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.” Job 12:10

Heavenly Father, though I sang it long before I believed it—you DO have the whole world in your hands. This frees me to relax my sweaty palms and white-knuckled fingers from all kinds of things I’d like to control but can’t. Instead, on this first Thursday in September 2026, I raise my grateful hands to you in praise and surrender.

I don’t have control over the number of my pre-heaven days, just fill the ones you’ve determined for me with as much of your grace, love, and wisdom as possible.

I don’t have control over the choices loved-ones and friends make, but you are the Writer and Righter of their stories too.

I don’t have control over how much suffering and sadness anyone will experience in life. But forgive me for thinking you will give more heartache than grace and more pain than your presence.

I don’t have control over cells, circumstances, and conditions that impact the rest of my life but you do. You didn’t call me as your consulting partner or coach, just to be your beloved, trusting child.

I don’t have control over the health and growth of Jesus’ Bride, the maddening state of American politics, Ukraine’s vulnerable future—and any of a number of things that can ramp up my fear, ignite my ire, and rob me of joy. But along with “the little, tiny baby”—you have all these things in your hand too.

Father, just keep giving each of us a laser-sharp vision of Jesus joyfully, lovingly, sovereignly seated on the throne of heaven (Rev.4). Keep your Spirit’s witness to our “Sonship” loud, sweet, and transforming (Rom.8). Keep making the Gospel more precious, powerful, and personal to us. Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.

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Thursday, 3 September 2026

“Are You Naïve, ‘Tipsy,’ or in Denial?”

Heavenward

SCOTTY SMITH

“Are You Naïve, ‘Tipsy,’ or in Denial?”

SCOTTY SMITH

“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Phil. 2:13

“I am what I am by the grace of God… I worked super hard, but it was actually God working by his grace in and through me.” (pp 1Cor.15:10)

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. (Ps.138:8)

Heavenly Father, it is a total joy to do good works free from any notion of merit or earning, making you happy or fearing your disappointment, to get more crowns or a bigger house in the new heaven and new earth. For the Gospel has put an end to “wages” as the motivation for our obedience. Hallelujah!

Do works matter? 10,000 times YES! Jesus finished a work for us he alone could accomplish (Jn.19:30). You began your “good work” in us and will finish it (Phil. 1:6). Our primary work now is to believe in Jesus who you sent on our behalf. (John 6:29).

Because we are confident you will accomplish “your purpose” for us and because we’re certain of your “steadfast love” (Psalm 138:8)—we want to go on a grace spending spree and spend the rest of our lives living and loving to your glory. What else could we possibly want to do with our time, talent, and treasures?

May our faith increasingly express itself in love (Gal.5:6). May your grace free us to “love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with you” (Micah 6:8). May your joy be our strength and your daily mercies fuel our moment-to-moment acts of kindness.

May we laugh more than we fear (Ps.112:7), overlook more than we keep a record of people’s wrongs (1Cor.13:5), and overflow with so much hope (Rom.15:13) people will be tempted to ask us, “Are you naïve, “tipsy” (Acts 2:13), or in denial?” Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.

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