First Magherafelt - Prayer Blog: 06/09/2026

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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