Means of Grace
Growing Through the Means of Grace
God strengthens and transforms believers through prayer, Scripture, worship, Holy Communion, fellowship, and acts of mercy.
The Means of Grace are the ordinary ways God works in the lives of believers to strengthen faith, deepen discipleship, and help us grow in holiness.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, described the Means of Grace as practices through which God regularly pours His grace into our lives. These practices do not earn salvation or make us worthy of God’s love. Instead, they are channels through which God shapes, teaches, strengthens, and transforms His people.
The Means of Grace help believers remain connected to Christ and grow in their relationship with God.
Scripture References
Matthew 6:5–13
Matthew 28:19–20
John 15:1–8
Acts 2:42–47
Romans 12:1–2
1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Galatians 5:22–23
Hebrews 10:24–25
James 1:22–25
2 Peter 3:18
What Are the Means of Grace?
John Wesley defined the Means of Grace as outward signs, words, or actions ordained by God and appointed for this purpose: to be ordinary channels through which God conveys grace to believers.
These practices help us open our hearts to God’s transforming work.
The Means of Grace are not magical rituals or religious obligations. They are opportunities to encounter God, receive His grace, and respond in faith.
Works of Piety
Wesley often grouped many of the Means of Grace under what he called Works of Piety—practices that nurture our relationship with God.
Prayer
Prayer is our ongoing conversation with God. Through prayer we worship, confess, give thanks, seek guidance, and bring our needs before Him.
Searching the Scriptures
Reading, studying, and reflecting on God’s Word helps believers know God’s truth and apply it to daily life.
Worship
Gathering with other believers for worship strengthens faith, encourages discipleship, and focuses our hearts on God.
Holy Communion
The Lord’s Supper is a gift of grace through which believers remember Christ’s sacrifice and experience spiritual nourishment.
Fasting
Fasting helps believers focus on God, seek His guidance, and deepen their dependence upon Him.
Christian Fellowship
Spending time with other believers encourages growth, accountability, prayer, and mutual support.
Works of Mercy
Wesley also taught that grace is experienced through serving others.
Compassion and Care
Caring for those who are sick, grieving, lonely, poor, or struggling reflects Christ’s love.
Feeding the Hungry
Serving those in need demonstrates God’s compassion in practical ways.
Visiting and Encouraging Others
God often uses believers to strengthen and encourage one another.
Acts of Justice and Mercy
Christians are called to care about the needs of their communities and work toward righteousness, compassion, and reconciliation.
Why the Means of Grace Matter
The Means of Grace help believers:
Grow spiritually
Develop Christlike character
Strengthen faith
Resist temptation
Remain connected to Christ
Serve others faithfully
Deepen their relationship with God
These practices do not save us. Salvation comes through God’s grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. However, God uses these practices to help believers grow and mature in faith.
The Wesleyan Understanding
John Wesley believed that spiritual growth happens as believers cooperate with God’s grace.
God is always at work, but believers are called to respond by placing themselves in situations where God’s grace can shape and transform them.
The Means of Grace are not about checking off religious duties. They are about growing in love for God and neighbor.
Wesley often emphasized that spiritual growth requires both:
Heart (Piety)
Prayer, worship, Scripture, and devotion.
Hands (Mercy)
Serving others through compassion, generosity, and acts of love.
Healthy discipleship includes both.
Connecting to the Three-Legged Stool
The Means of Grace fit naturally within the discipleship model used at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.
Heart (Piety)
Prayer
Worship
Holy Communion
Personal devotion
Mind (Study)
Scripture reading
Bible study
Learning and growing in faith
Hands (Action)
Service
Mercy ministries
Mission work
Sharing the Gospel
When all three areas grow together, believers become stronger disciples of Jesus Christ.
Living the Message
Set aside time for prayer each day.
Read Scripture regularly.
Participate faithfully in worship.
Receive Holy Communion.
Serve others with compassion.
Practice generosity.
Join a Bible study or small group.
Look for opportunities to share God’s love with others.
Allow God’s grace to shape every area of your life.
Reflection Questions
Which Means of Grace are strongest in my life right now?
Which practices need more attention?
How is God using prayer, worship, Scripture, and service to help me grow?
How can I better balance piety, study, and action?
What opportunities do I have to serve others this week?
Related Pages
Discipleship in the United Methodist Church
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Spiritual Growth and Sanctification
Closing Invitation
God’s grace is at work in every believer. Through prayer, worship, Scripture, fellowship, Holy Communion, and service, God continues to shape His people into faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Visit PGUM.org.
