Father of Grace and Mercy.
For a long time, I had no idea where I had come up with this introduction to prayer. It was something that just felt comfortable, and helped me start the process of praying, much like the leg kick of a baseball player helps trigger their swing.
I even had a friend come up and thank me – his Dad has asked him to pray with him, and he had no idea of how to start. All he could think of was, “Father of Grace and Mercy,” and the rest came rolling out.
Like all good things across the 2000 year history of the Church, there are very few original ideas left, and this was no exception. A quick Google search found the phrase in Psalm 145,
“The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
and his compassion is over all that he has made.”
It’s also found in the Psalm 86, the book of Jonah, and the book of Joel:
“Yet even now,” says the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
and rend your hearts and not your garments.”
Return to the Lord, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and repents of evil.”
Let’s Pray
Father of Grace and Mercy. Help us to honor every good gift of grace and the relentless love in your boundless mercy.
Amen
This is Mike Kelly with Prayfor2, two minute prayer reflections on the daily scripture readings of the Church. Listen anytime at Prayfor2.com, or on the Redeemer Radio app.