Grace in Action, Living Out God's Love - Your Nightly Prayer
Grace in Action, Living Out God’s Love
Your Nightly Prayer for Mar. 3, 2025
by Chelsea Ohlemiller
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.” - 2 Timothy 4:22
SOMETHING TO PONDER
I watched as they walked towards the parking lot and into my driving path. They were a mother-daughter duo, one young, one old. Immediately I pause, I smile, and I motion for them to go on. I can tell it will be a slow process and one that is physically and emotionally exhausting for both of them. The older woman clinging to independence. The younger one clinging to what is left of her mother’s mobility and her time.
As they get to the other side, the older woman looks back and smiles proudly in my direction, just as the daughter smiles in gratitude. I was grateful that it was me they were converging with today– a woman who knows the responsibility of caretaking and the sting of losing a mother. A woman who knows the power of time—both given and received. As I drive past, waving at both of them, I thank God that they encountered the empathetic me and not the hurried me. I’m thankful that I led with grace and compassion– because, as an imperfect woman, this is not always the case.
I recognized their struggle and the invisible grief in their hearts—so I took the extra time. When you understand someone and know their story, it’s easy to offer grace and compassion. But what about in times when we aren’t privy to the path someone has walked and is currently walking? Do we show up with understanding and patience, or do we sometimes get lost in the hurry of the day and the quickness of time and to-do’s?
As I gather my thoughts at bedtime, the situation empowers me to show up exactly how I did today– exactly as God calls us to– with a humble spirit of grace, patience, and generosity.
Scripture tells us to act in a spirit of love and encouragement, reminding us to uplift and bless others in both word and action– and also ourselves. Tonight, as you prepare for rest, open your heart for intentional grace and kindness and your mind for God’s guidance and wisdom so that tomorrow, you will show up as the best version of yourself– one led by prayer and Him.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Lord,
Please ensure I walk with a spirit of grace and forgiveness. Allow kindness to flow freely as I encounter others, even when I do not understand their circumstance or their story. Allow me to see others in your eyes, always knowing they are worthy of your love, which should come from me in the form of grace, compassion, and patience.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. A time when you needed the compassion and kindness of others because of a hidden trouble or circumstance you were facing. How could things have been better if you received God’s love through someone in that moment?
2. A time when your day has been nourished by the love of God in undeniable ways through those you’ve encountered– not in coincidence, but in bold and intentional circumstances.
3. One way you can show up tomorrow is with grace in your soul and kindness flowing freely from your heart. How can you ensure a stranger receives God’s love through you?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/AntonioGuillem
