Be Gracious in My Life
A Reflection on Psalm 86:15, Numbers 6:25, and 2 Corinthians 12:9
Be gracious in my life, O Lord—not as the world bestows,
But with the tender mercy that from Your heart flows.
Not a grace I’ve earned by effort or by deed,
But the unmerited favor that meets me in my need.
“The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.” (Numbers 6:25)
Be gracious when I stumble, when my words are sharp and cold.
Be gracious when I wander, when my heart grows weak and old.
Let Your compassion meet me at the edge of every sin,
And draw me back to Your side, where new life can begin.
For You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in love.
You do not treat me as my sins deserve, nor cast me from above.
Your grace is not a license to ignore Your holy will,
But the power to rise and follow, to be faithful, strong, and still.
But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)
Be gracious in my thoughts—let kindness rule my mind.
Be gracious in my speaking—let my words be gentle, kind.
Be gracious in my dealings—in the marketplace and home,
So that those who watch my life may see that I am not alone,
But carried by a gracious God who bends to lift the low.
Your grace is sufficient for me, for Your power is made perfect in my weakness.
Not that I may boast in self, but in my savior’s meekness.
So I will boast in my infirmities, in my failures and my pain,
For when I am weak, then I am strong, through Your grace, again and again.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
So I receive Your grace today—not as a wage, but as a flow.
Let it water every dry place, let it make my spirit grow.
Be gracious in my life, O Lord, from this moment to the end.
My Savior, my Redeemer, my faithful, gracious Friend.
Amen.