Grace Upon Grace – Lectio Divina

From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

John 1: 16

Lord I’ve read the first words from John 1 so many times.

I praise you that “in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”

I marveled that before the earth took form, before all life – You lived.

But until today I never noticed the tiny phrase buried deep within the early verses of this well loved Gospel.

“Grace upon grace.”

God’s amazing grace, your undeserved, often unasked-for and taken for granted mercy and love – not only lavishly given to all of us one time, but over and over again.

Like a fountain of cleansing water, your love washes over the world.

One blessing after another.

More surprises on top of all the wonderful gifts.

You created the world – laying a foundation of grace.

You continued to walk with humanity, forgiving us as we continued to fail you – more grace.

You gave us guidance, laws, lights to shine our path – even more grace.

You came to earth as the Messiah – grace upon grace.

You now dwell in our hearts, present to each of us as spirit – grace upon grace upon grace. Unending.

I thank you, Lord, for not just a little grace here or there, but an abundance outpouring of never ending love, grace upon grace.

You call me to live a life of grace upon grace – to give grace to others when they slight me. And when they do it again, the only answer is grace.

When I mess up and sulk in frustrating self-pity, putting myself down, you gently pour into my heart grace to soothe my ego and heal my wounds.

And when circumstances get tough, I lean on your grace – knowing there will be enough and even more coming with grace upon grace.

Grace never runs out. Grace cascades from your heart into our lives.

I am so grateful, Lord, for your grace. Your grace upon grace.