Grace to pursue grace

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 188:24).

O Almighty God,

who alone canst order

the unruly wills and affections of sinful men;

Grant unto thy people

that they may love the thing which Thou commandest,

and desire that which Thou dost promise;

that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world,

our hearts may surely there be fixed,

where true joys are to be found;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer (1662)

This is a beautiful prayer, but I especially appreciate it when I consider this reflection on the prayer written by my friend Chris Webb:

"If you look at it carefully you find it's a prayer that we might be given grace to pursue grace. Our unruly wills and affections are constantly being enticed away from God. But if you, Lord, transform us by grace to genuinely long for a life immersed in you--to desire your commands and promises--then we will become open to the gracious gift of Christ, in whom all true joys are found. In fact, grace will fix our hearts on Jesus, who is full of grace and truth.

"A man once told Jesus, "I believe - help my unbelief!" It may be that you want to say, "I need grace--give me the grace to long for grace!" If so, this might be your prayer today."

Yes! I need grace to pursue grace. How about you?