Wow! What a great prayer Scotty Smith prays. The kind of prayer I need every day!
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which WE must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Dear Lord Jesus, as a young Christian, I remember many late nights of debating this Scripture, and its strong affirmation that salvation can only be found in you. While I still believe you are the only Savior, with all my heart, I now see how more of my heart needs more of you and more of the gospel.
There is nobody on the face of the earth that needs the gospel today, and its transforming resources, more than me, and I am SO glad to be able to acknowledge this reality. I need you today, Jesus, as much as I did in March of 1968 when you washed away all my sins and covered me with the robes of your righteousness.
The high priest was rattled by Peter’s affirmation of “no other name”, but I am relieved and rescued by his affirmation, “WE must be saved.” Peter placed himself in that great grace community called “we,” and so do I, Lord Jesus. You have saved me in the past, when I was justified by grace alone through faith alone; you are saving me in the present, as the Holy Spirit applies more and more of your finished work to my whole being; and you will save me in the future, when you return to finish making all things new, including ME!
Lord Jesus, though I’m never tempted to look to any other name for my justification, I am very tempted to look to other names and means for my transformation—worse of all, is when I look to me to be my own savior. But only you, Jesus, are able to save completely those who come to God through you, for you are always living to pray for us and to advocate for us (Heb 7:25). You are my righteousness, holiness and redemption, and that’s why I only boast in you today! (1 Cor. 1:30-31)
So I come to you today, Jesus, right now! Save me more fully from my fear of man, my need to be in control, my ticky-tacky pettiness. Save me from trying to be anybody’s savior. I want to get irritated far less often and to be spontaneous much more often. I want to “light up” more quickly when I hear your name, Jesus, and not be downcast, when I don’t hear my name.
That’s more than enough confession for one Saturday… Indeed, Jesus, I must be saved, I am being saved, through your name alone. Hallelujah! So very Amen, I pray, with boldness and humility.
Scotty Smith
Pastor for Preaching, Teaching and Worship
Christ Community Church
1215 Hillsboro Rd.
Franklin, TN 37069
615-468-2230
It's good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace Hebrews 13:9
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