Sunday Morning Prayer April 16 2023 : Good morning and welcome to this Sunday morning devotion. Today, as we gather in the presence of God, let us open our hearts and minds to receive His grace and wisdom. In a world that is constantly changing, God’s grace remains constant, and it is available to us each and every day. As we start this day, let us commit to seeking God’s guidance, drawing strength from His Word, and offering our prayers with sincerity and reverence.
Sunday Morning Prayer For Today :
Let us begin our time of devotion with a prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before You on this beautiful Sunday morning with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of a new day. We acknowledge Your sovereignty over all things and thank You for the opportunity to gather in Your presence. Lord, we ask for Your grace to be upon us as we seek to align our hearts and minds with Your will. Grant us the wisdom and discernment to make choices that are pleasing to You and bring glory to Your name. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to live out our faith in every area of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10 (NIV)
As we turn to God’s Word for today, let us reflect on Ephesians 2:4-10, which reminds us of God’s immeasurable grace and the incredible gift of salvation.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Morning Devotion For Today:
Today’s passage from Ephesians reminds us of the incredible truth that we are saved by grace through faith, and not by our own works or efforts. It is God’s great love and mercy that has made us alive in Christ, even when we were dead in our sins. God’s grace is immeasurable, and it is through His kindness and goodness that we are saved.
One of the most beautiful aspects of God’s grace is that it is a free gift that cannot be earned or deserved. It is not based on our performance or our good deeds, but solely on God’s love for us. This truth should fill our hearts with gratitude and humility as we recognize that our salvation is not a result of our own efforts, but a gift from God.
As we reflect on the incomparable riches of God’s grace, we are reminded that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Our salvation is not just a one-time event, but it is a transformation that takes place within us, enabling us to live a life that is pleasing to God. It is through His grace that we are empowered to walk in obedience and fulfill the purpose that God has prepared for us.
However, it is essential to note that while our salvation is not based on our works, it is not a license to live a life of complacency or indifference. Our good works are not a means to earn God’s favor or salvation, but they are the evidence of a changed heart that has been transformed by God’s grace. Our good
works are a natural response to the grace we have received, and they should flow from a heart that is grateful for God’s love and mercy.
As we embrace God’s grace, we are called to live a life that reflects His character and love. We are to be ambassadors of Christ, spreading His love and compassion to those around us. We are called to be salt and light in the world, making a positive impact and bringing glory to God’s name through our actions and attitudes.
In today’s fast-paced and often self-centered world, it can be easy to lose sight of the significance of God’s grace in our lives. We may be tempted to rely on our own abilities, achievements, or worldly possessions for our sense of worth and security. However, God’s Word reminds us that it is only through His grace that we are saved, and it is only in Him that we find our true identity and purpose.
This Sunday morning, let us take a moment to reflect on the immeasurable riches of God’s grace in our lives. Let us humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging our need for His mercy and love. Let us surrender our self-reliance and turn our hearts towards Him, seeking His guidance and direction for our lives.
As we meditate on His Word, let us also be reminded of the call to live a life that is pleasing to Him, not out of obligation or legalism, but out of a heart that is overflowing with gratitude for His grace. Let us be intentional in our actions and attitudes, seeking opportunities to extend God’s love and compassion to those around us, and being mindful of the good works that God has prepared for us to do.
In our prayers, let us express our gratitude for God’s grace and ask for His strength and wisdom to walk in obedience to His will. Let us also intercede for those who may not have experienced God’s grace in their lives, that they may come to know His love and receive the gift of salvation.
As we conclude our Sunday morning devotion, let us carry the truth of God’s grace with us throughout the day, being mindful of His presence in every moment. Let us go forth with hearts that are filled with gratitude, walking in faith and obedience, and being a reflection of God’s grace to the world around us.
May this day be a day of worship, praise, and thanksgiving as we embrace God’s grace in our lives. May His love and mercy continue to transform us from the inside out, and may we live each day with a heart that is grateful for His immeasurable grace. Amen.
In conclusion, as we start this Sunday morning, let us remember that we are saved by God’s grace through faith, and not by our own works. It is a free gift that we cannot earn or deserve, but it is a result of God’s great love and mercy towards us. Let us be intentional in living a life that reflects His grace, being mindful of the good works that He has prepared for us to do. May we always be grateful for God’s immeasurable grace and strive to walk in obedience to His will, as we continue to grow in our faith and relationship with Him. May His grace empower us to be a light in this world and bring glory to His name. Amen.