A Prayer about the Triumph of Mercy
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12–13)
Jesus, my heart is stunned today with a fresh awareness of your mercy. You are, indeed, a most wonderful, merciful Savior. Because of what you’ve done for us, I’m no longer afraid to die; I don’t have fears about the life to come. And I’m not afraid to live, for I’m not at all uncertain about what God thinks about me, for by your life and death, you did everything necessary not just to reconcile me to God but also to place me in his eternal favor and delight. Mercy trumped judgment, on my behalf!
Now, all day long, every minute of every day, Jesus, you constantly show me mercy. You do not give me what I deserve, but instead you give me more grace. In the gospel you are incessantly speaking words of encouragement, hope, and kindness to me. Even when you have to correct me, which is quite often, you give me life giving rebukes, not shame-inducing stares or guilt-inflicting words. Mercy continually trumps judgment on my behalf.
Jesus, you’ve completely reoriented my relationship to the Scriptures as well. The law that used to condemn me now consoles me; that which used to be a source of fear in me has become a source of freedom for me. Because the gospel is true, I can now honestly say, “the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul”— my soul.
Jesus, in view of so much mercy, your mercy for me, I have no excuses. I cannot justify allowing my judgmental attitude to trump your mercy in any of the difficult relationships and situations I now find myself. Help me to speak and act today as someone for whom the triumph of mercy over judgment is complete. Help me to speak and act as someone the Son of God has set free, free indeed.
I need wisdom, gospel wisdom, to live and love this radical way. I fear being exploited, but my greater fear is being cold hearted. Have mercy on me, Jesus; continue to have mercy on me. I pray in your loving and strong name.
Amen.