Recognizing my Salvation is a Gift of God

Heavenly Father I pray that I will understand the incredible greatness of Your power because I believe in  You. This is the same mighty power that raised Your son, Jesus Christ, from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at Your right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. You have put all things under the authority of Christ and You have made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church. The church is the body; which is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself. (Eph. 1:19-23, NLT)

Holy Spirit remind me that once I was dead because of my disobedience and my many sins.  I used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.  By my very nature I was subject to Your anger, just like everyone else.  But thankfully You are so rich in mercy, and You love me so much, that even though I was dead because of my sins, You gave me life when Christ was raised from the dead. (It is only by Your grace that I have been saved!)  For You raised me from the dead along with Christ and seated me with Him in the heavenly realms because I am united with Christ Jesus. So You can point to me in all future ages as an example of the incredible wealth of Your grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all You have done for me because I am united with Christ Jesus.  You saved me by grace when I believed.  I can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from You, God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things I have done, so I cannot boast about it. For I am Your masterpiece.  You have created me anew in Christ Jesus, so I can do the good things that You planned for me long ago. (Eph. 2:1-10, NLT)

Holy Spirit I ask that You to do my best to present myself to You as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15, NIV)  Help my love to be sincere, that I will hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to other believers in brotherly love.  Honor others above myself. Help me to never be lacking in zeal, but keep my spiritual fervor, serving the You.  Let me be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Remind me to share with God’s people who are in need, and practice hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13 NIV)  Let me clothe myself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:14) Help me to daily put on my spiritual armor so that I can withstand all that Satan throws at me and help me to remember that I am Your living sacrifice and temple, so I must keep myself focused on You at all times.

Now may the God of my hope fill me with all joy and peace in believing, that I may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)  In Jesus’ name, Amen.