Opening Prayer
Father in Heaven, we give you all the glory for the great things you have done. Your love for this world, demonstrated in the giving of your Son, overwhelms us with gratitude. We come now to lift our voices in praise and open our hearts to you. Teach us, remind us, and anchor us in the truth of the Gospel. May your name be glorified in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
To God Be the Glory
By Fanny Crosby
To God be the glory, great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the life-gate that all may go in.Refrain:
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
and give him the glory, great things he has done!Great things he has taught us, great things he has done,
and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son,
but purer and higher and greater will be
our joy and our wonder, when Jesus we see.
Key Principles from this Hymn
- The Gospel is the ultimate act of love and redemption.
- Christ opened the life-gate, inviting all who believe to enter.
- Rejoicing in God’s works now prepares us for the greater joy of seeing Christ face to face.
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
- What does it mean to give God the glory for the great things he has done?
- How does the gift of Jesus shape your understanding of God’s love?
- In what ways can we “let the earth hear his voice” through our witness?
- How does rejoicing in Jesus impact your daily life and struggles?
- What is the “life-gate” Christ opened, and how have you responded to that invitation?
- How does this hymn point you to both present praise and future hope?
- How can you grow in cultivating a life that reflects gratitude and worship?
Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon
- John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
- Romans 5:8 – But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – 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.
- Psalm 115:1 – Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
- 1 Peter 1:8-9 – Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Action Steps
- Begin each morning thanking God for the great thing he has done in Christ.
- Let your words, actions, and choices point others to him.
- Encourage someone this week with the truth that Jesus has opened the life-gate for all who will believe.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
God of glory, we thank you for your immeasurable love and the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for opening the way of salvation and calling us to yourself. We rejoice in the great things you have done and are doing. Help us to live with grateful hearts, full of praise. May our lives reflect your glory and proclaim your goodness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer Prompts
Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.
Petitions – prayers for yourself
- Give me greater knowledge, depth of insight, and understanding of God’s Word.
- Remind me daily of who I am in Christ. Let me be defined by who God says I am, not the world around me.
- Guide me into greater understanding and faithfulness of God’s call in my life.
- This week’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned.
- Other needs
Intercession – prayers for others
- My family
- My pastor(s), church staff, and missionaries
- Those struggling with anger, anxiety, or the overwhelming desire to please people at all costs.
- Other needs
Quotation from Church History
“A true faith in Jesus Christ is always accompanied by heartfelt praise to God.” – David Brainerd
Thank you for joining me today. I pray this reflection has encouraged and blessed you. If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe. For more devotionals, Bible studies, and resources that are available weekly, but are not sent out via email, make sure to click here to explore more: Walking Points.
