Thursday, February 22, 2024  

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Today's Hymn
“Out of the Depths”

All things you send are full of grace;
you crown our lives with favor.
All our good works are done in vain
without our Lord and Savior.
We praise you for the gift of faith;
you save us from the grip of death;
our lives are in your keeping.

by Martin Luther
Hymn 424, Glory to God
verse 2

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Reflection

In today’s hymn, Martin Luther writes, “We praise you for the gift of faith,” reminding us that faith is just that, a gift. So, like most gifts, faith is given freely, yet not to all. I’ve always struggled with this.

Why does faith seem to come easily to some?

Were some of us born with a “faith gene” that predisposes us to believe and trust in God?

Wouldn’t it be easier if God just gave everyone the gift of faith so that we could all just agree on how amazing God is and get on with the good works we’re called to do?

Easier, yes. But clearly not God’s intention. So we can be both thankful for and humbled by this gift of faith. It’s ours to enjoy and ours to share — our faith is possible only because God is faithful to us.

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Prayer
Gracious God, sometimes we cry out to you for help. Other times we cry out to say “thank you!” At all times, we call on you because you are faithful to us. Thank you for blessing us with the gift of faith. Amen.

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Written by Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate for Caring Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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