Amazing Grace, saving a wretch like me.

 Amen. This heartfelt cry captures the very essence of the Gospel. You are quoting the opening line of one of the most beloved hymns in history, written by John Newton, a former slave trader who experienced the profound, life-altering reality of God's amazing grace.

The hymn points directly to the truth of Scripture:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

- Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

"The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost."

- 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)

What Does This Mean?

This confession acknowledges two profound truths:

1. Our Condition: "A wretch like me." This is an honest admission of our sinful state and spiritual poverty before a holy God. We cannot save ourselves.

2. God's Remedy: "Amazing Grace." This is the undeserved, unearned, and limitless favor of God, which He freely gives through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is amazing because it saves those who are utterly lost and transforms them into children of God.

A Prayer of Receiving Amazing Grace

Heavenly Father,

I come before You just as I am. I confess that I am a sinner, lost and unable to save myself. I am the "wretch" in need of a Savior.

Thank You for Your amazing grace—the grace that looked past my sin and saw my need. Thank You that this grace is a free gift, paid for by the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.

I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Right now, I receive Your amazing grace. I accept Your forgiveness. I welcome Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Save me, transform me, and make me new. My life is now Yours.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Poem: "Amazing Grace"

"Amazing Grace"

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost,but now am found,

Was blind,but now I see.

The Lord has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come;

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

When we've been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise,

Than when we first begun.

(Adapted from the hymn by John Newton)

If you have prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, you have just received the most amazing gift in the universe. You are no longer a wretch; you are a redeemed child of the Most High God, saved by grace. Your journey with Him begins now.