CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 878

 “Charis”

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:14-16)

 I pray for favor often. I pray for favor with God. I pray for favor with the customers I serve. I pray for favor with the authorities over me whom I serve in the Name of Jesus and for His glory. I pray for favor with agencies that I have petitioned and I pray for favor with the hiring authorities when I apply for a job. What exactly have I been praying for?

I found that the word ‘favor’ is used in the Bible to translate many different root words from the original Greek and Hebrew texts. Many of the root words convey the meaning of acceptance. One root word, however grabbed my attention: charis. Charis is often translated as both grace and favor. So I dug deeper.

The Bible tells us that Mary found favor (charis) with God (Luke 1:30) and that Jesus grew in stature and the favor (charis) of God was upon Him (Luke 2:40). At the time of Pentecost, the disciples had favor (charis) with all the people. (Acts 2:47)

What is Charis? It is the free and unmerited favor of God toward us. We cannot earn God’s favor. Grace is not an abstract concept. It is the active power of God’s Holy Spirit working in us and through us. It is the power that saves us from condemnation and sin. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Charis is the power that transforms our lives and gives us the power to overcome our weaknesses and to say no to temptation. It is the power to live a Christian life. It is the power of sanctification as we grow in our personal relationship with Jesus and it is the power that will ultimately be our glorification at the last day. (Romans 12:2), (2 Corinthians 3:18), (Philippians 3:21)

When I pray for favor with people, authorities and agencies I am praying that they will respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit that is present and active in my heart and life. When I pray for favor with God I pray for more of His Spirit, more of His power. I am seeking more than His hand of provision and material blessing.

The beauty is that inasmuch as I give favor to others – when I respond in Christ’s love to others – even those who are hateful and demanding of me, I receive more of His favor, grace upon grace.

Like a sponge over-saturated and dripping with water, may you have grace upon grace, dripping with the Holy Spirit and bringing God’s favor to those whom He divinely appoints to cross your path. May you know the abundant charis favor of God in every relationship and aspect of your life. Praise God for His free gift of grace through Jesus Christ.