Praise and Thanks for Grace to Serve

God is gracious to us in that he exerts himself on our behalf so that we have cause to enjoy more and more of the goodness he enjoys about himself. His grace is sufficient to effect a transformation in us that will enable us to be successful in all that he gives us to do. Therefore, he deserves both praise and gratitude, praise for how well he has worked on our behalf and gratitude for the excellence of his gifts to us. This year’s sonnet prayer for our Thanksgiving holiday will help us express our joy as we contemplate this grace.

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry … Indeed, the grace of our Lord overflowed with the faithfulness and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:12–14

By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10

But Christ said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Efficient, overflowing grace—by which
Christ Jesus acts with love and faithfulness
To strengthen us so we can fill the niche
Of ministry you gave us to address;
Transforming grace—so we can celebrate
Your presence and your energizing might,
The Spirit’s power to help us propagate
The joy Christ’s resurrection brought to light.
Sufficient grace—that rests on us when we
Are weak and weary, frail and filled with fear,
Impatient for success in ministry
While waiting for the Lord to reappear;
So while we wait, and while abundant grace
Flows free, we lift up grateful songs of praise.

Amen