Coming Back to Grace

It’s hard coming back to grace, isn’t it?

When you’ve messed up. When you did that thing you said you’d never do again. When you’ve been complacent, stagnant, spiritually dry – or downright disobedient.

I’ll be honest. In my head, I believe God is gracious. But when I pray, sometimes I can’t shake the nagging feeling in my heart like … what’s the point? Is He listening? Does He even want to hear from me? He must be a little disappointed with me.

In these moments, praying feels more like the prodigal son crawling back to his father, covered in mud and smelling like pigs, rehearsing your speech and hoping to work your way back into God’s good graces.

Ok, here’s how I’ll make this right …

But that misses the point of grace.

Remember the Prodigal’s Father

When I struggle with prayer and repentance, it has always helped me visualize the father in this story.

The moment he sees his son coming back, he runs. He runs to his son! He embraces him. Kisses him. Clothes his shame with the family robe and restores his dignity by putting a ring on his finger. He calls his servants and throws a party.

You are worth celebrating, my son.

That’s grace. That’s dignity-restoring, shame-covering, joyful-to-give, unrestrained grace. No rehearsed speech necessary. No working-your-way-back needed.

Coming Back to God

Just come home. Come covered in mud, filled with shame, pierced with regret. And the Lord will cleanse you, restore you, and welcome you back to the table.

Yes, it can be hard coming back to God after you’ve fallen short. You have to admit your failures and sin. You have to acknowledge your inability, your dependence, your powerlessness.

But you’re coming back to the God of grace. I mean, where else are you going to go?

The invitation from God is always one of grace. That’s where we start. That’s where we go. Every time. The way back to God is always down Grace Road.

As the famous hymn goes, tis grace that brough me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.

So turn around. Come home to Him today. And you’ll find grace.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)

Prayer, Memory Verse & Reflection Question

Prayer: Father, thank you for your grace that is new every morning. It extends to us even in our weakest moments. Help us remember that even when we fall short, we can always come to you, knowing that you eagerly await us with open arms. Lord, when we feel unworthy or distant from you, remind us of your steadfast love and faithfulness. Help us accept your grace and live each day in the freedom and joy that it brings. Thank you for your unfailing, boundless love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Memory Verse: Memorize Luke 15:20 if you struggle with doubt, guilt, or shame when praying: “So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

Question: What do you need to talk with God about today?