Reflections on John Wesley's Sermon: The Means of Grace - Essay Example

A “heart renewed after the image of God” is what they should have been aiming for, and the vehicle to achieve this renewal cannot be found inside of them, is not inherent inside of every person, but is a gift from God called grace (Wesley). This sermon made me think hard about my own relationship with God and the approaches I have tried to take to find him inside of me. We all go through times of doubt when we must renew our faith and reconsider the power of our relationship with God and the renewal that he brings.

In recent months I have had a number of personal problems which have been challenging. I have relied on myself too much. In a sense, I turned inward. I realize now, having read Wesleys sermon, that this is the wrong approach. I have been too focused on myself and not focused enough on the grace of God which can lead me through these tribulations if I open my heart to it. Wesleys most important point, in my opinion, is his emphasis on prayer. He quotes Matt. 7:7, 8, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

" This has long been one of my favourite verses from scripture. In only a few words, a tremendous concept is revealed. What this verse indicates is a core message Wesley is trying to deliver. What we want, what we need, is there for the taking. Love, mercy, salvation, are all on the table before us. All that is required is for us to put out our hand and open our heart. This openness is central to the life of every true Christian, but is surprisingly rare. It is most commonly achieved through prayer.

Prayer is the foundation of my personal spiritual life. Every day begins and ends with prayer as part of a dialogue with God. Combining prayer with meditation, allows me to heal and clean myself at the end of a difficult day. Prayer is the scaffolding