Oh, the grace of God expressed in the cross of Jesus Christ!

Paul describes the Gospel as ‘the grace of Christ.’ (Gal 1:6) Grace—the unmerited, undeserved favor of God. [1] This favor is not based upon anything we have done, but upon what Jesus has done.

The revelation of God’s grace towards us personally has tremendous power to break the hold of any sin or condemnation in our lives. We look to Jesus’ finished work, to His death on the cross, and His resurrection. And simply believe.

‘Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.’ (Rom 8:1b-2, MSG)

6 Manifestations of God’s Grace in Your Prayer Life

This power of grace can be gloriously experienced in our personal relationship with God. Here are 6 ways that grace will manifest in your life of prayer.

1. It is Easy to Return to God’s Presence

So you missed an appointment in prayer.
Perhaps there was a specific devotional or prayer time you planned to take.
Maybe you have felt the call of God to pray for a while, but have been distracted or failed to respond to the Holy Spirit. It could be that the last time you spent some significant moments with God is a distant memory.

Now you respond, drawn by the Holy Spirit and sure of His open invitation. There is no condemnation about prayer or entering God’s Presence. You begin to share with Him the things that are on your heart, having a clear sense of Father’s welcome and His pleasure at your desire to be with Him.

2. Failure is not an Obstacle

‘…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…’ (Heb 10:22a)

You blew it. Allowed a weakness or temptation to get the better of you.
You know that your behavior has been less than God’s best for you.

But despite this, you know that the best place for you, the place you can sort out the struggles you face, is in prayer, focusing on God’s presence.
Nothing is holding you back. Your behavior does not win the right you have to be in the Father’s presence, but by what Jesus has accomplished on the cross. Your blemished record has been exchanged for Jesus’ perfect record, and forgiveness is freely yours.

3. You Can Be Yourself

You know that prayer is not about doing something to gain God’s attention or to please Him—you already have your Father’s attention and His pleasure. He loves you. What a relief! You do not have to be something (or someone) that you are not in prayer. You can just be yourself, your own style, and way of communicating. You can be completely honest.

You can talk to God as your Father, your Friend, or your intimate Beloved. [2]

That intercessor, or person whose spiritual life you admire, does not intimidate you or hold you back. You do not feel you have to copy anyone else or attain some standard of spirituality in prayer. You can be real. And you know that being uniquely yourself is not only acceptable to God—it brings Him joy.

4. You Don’t Need to Rely on Formulas

‘…They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply…’ (Matt 6:7b-8, MSG)

There is no fear that if you miss praying something a certain way, God won’t answer you or come through for you.

You are not relying on a formula or method to have your prayer answered. You know that beyond any words you speak, the cry of your heart is eloquent to Him. You have complete confidence that He is faithful, that He loves you, and that He is true to His Word.

When the Holy Spirit does lead you to use a prescribed prayer, Scripture, method, or formula, you do so with confidence, knowing that your prayer life is about intimacy with Him. Where He leads, faith rises, and you will follow.

5. Your Prayer Life is Characterized by Confidence and Gratitude

‘Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ (Heb 4:16)

You know that you already have Father’s favor and that you don’t have to do or say anything to earn it.

Secure in this knowledge, you are growing in confidence in your relationship with Him, and boldness in what you ask for and receive. In times of spiritual warfare, who your God is and what He is saying is of much more significance than anything that the enemy may be doing.

Your prayer life is characterized by a state of thankfulness. You are learning more about your inheritance in Christ and what is available through Jesus. Prayer is primarily about discovering Father’s intention and agreeing, receiving, and entering into what is already yours by His word of command. You have faith and boldness in the Name of Jesus.

6. You can Pray Anytime, Anywhere

‘And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.’ (Eph 6:18a)

Your prayer life is without limits. It is about connecting with God in the moment, as well as special times with Him. Whether you are in a moment of celebration or are under pressure, quietness or busyness, you naturally turn to your Father.

Just as Jesus had times of appointment alone with God, and prayed throughout His daily life, you are open to be led by the Spirit in your daily life, as well as be drawn to times apart with your Heavenly Father.

Notes:
[1] For an extended definition of the Greek New Testament word for grace, charis, see http://biblehub.com/greek/5485.htm
[2] See ‘Relational Pathways to Intimacy with Father, with Jesus, and with Holy Spirit.‘

Related Posts:

How To Fall In Love With Your Devotional Life Again

8 Signs Your Devotional Life May Be Caught In A Performance Trap

7 Signs Of Spiritual Dryness

© 2014 Helen Calder

Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation

Helen Calder

Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.