“For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive [our sins, sending them away, completely letting them go forever and ever]; And abundant in lovingkindness and overflowing in mercy to all those who call upon You. Hear, O Lord, my prayer; And listen attentively to the voice of my supplications (specific requests)!”
Psalm 86:5-6 AMP
Grace Perspective:
David wrote several Psalms where he pled for God to hear his prayers. This humble shepherd who became a mighty king praised God for His goodness, attentiveness, and grace. David knew through experience that he could come to God at any time seeking forgiveness and that God, who abounds in lovingkindness and mercy, is ready to pour out forgiveness and grace.
The LORD’S ear is tuned to those who call on Him in prayer. He is always available to listen to our pleas. The LORD is not stingy with grace; He longs to pour it out on those who seek Him. Therefore, when we come to Him in prayer, His steadfast love and mercy assure us that He listens attentively to our prayers. His steadfast love and mercy will give us strength as we wait for the answer.
A Touch of Grace:
How do you see God’s forgiveness in your life?
What is your specific plea today?
Grace Application:
How deep is an ocean? Can we measure how much water is in it? Silly questions, but if we tried to count the drops of water in an ocean, we wouldn’t get far. God’s grace is deeper than all the water in the oceans. The Lord’s goodness and steadfast love are beyond measure.
God is always ready to forgive…anything. His goodness is beyond what we can imagine. He is always willing to give mercy to anyone who comes in humble repentance. We don’t have to beg, plead, or make hollow promises to receive forgiveness because His patient love is given to anyone who calls out to Him. He wants us to seek Him and bring all our troubles, needs, joys, sorrows, praises, and all that’s in our hearts to Him in prayer.
The hymn writer William Walford reminds us,
“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!” [i]
God knows every need we have, even before we know it. There is nothing we can’t bring before Him in prayer, and we can trust that the LORD hears every plea for grace we present to Him. We can lift our hearts to Him in prayer and trust His grace.
Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to you in the Precious name of Jesus, thankful that You are good and forgiving. You abound in steadfast love that is deeper than anything I can imagine. Thank You for listening to my plea for grace. Today I plead for Your grace in (____________________). Increase my joy in You as I trust Your answer to my gracious prayer. Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray that you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**
[i] https://gccsatx.com/hymns/sweet-hour-of-prayer/