“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.’” Matthew 5:6

Dear Jesus, I easily know every day that I am hungry and thirsty. It makes me look for food and water. To date, I have always had enough. After all, here I am with so much that I have to curtail myself. Be that as it may, I do not always recognize my great need for the righteousness you promise to give. I forget that the gnawing discontent in my soul springs from my sinful nature and the guilt it warrants every day. Today, I’m acknowledging it. I’m hungry to be made right with you, myself and others. I need to be at peace about myself. I cannot produce this peace on my own. I have to receive it from you. Many years ago, I learned about the peace that comes from grace that flows from your cross. I’ve even taught it to others. But even so, I often resort to denial, blame and repression to deal with the hunger I have for grace. Today, I won’t do that. I’m sitting here before you the way my cat waits for me to pour food in his bowl. Please Jesus, fill me with the righteousness that comes from forgiveness and grace. Thank you that you do! Amen.

You cannot manufacture grace. By its very nature it has to be given.