Means of Grace: Growing in God’s Grace
The Means of Grace are practices through which God nurtures faith and helps believers grow in Christ.
Means of Grace: Growing in God’s Grace
Growing in God’s Grace
God’s grace is a gift freely given through Jesus Christ. We cannot earn it, deserve it, or achieve it through our own efforts. Yet God has provided ways for believers to grow in their relationship with Him and remain open to the work of the Holy Spirit.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, called these practices the Means of Grace. He described them as the ordinary channels through which God strengthens faith, deepens discipleship, and transforms lives.
The Means of Grace do not save us. Salvation comes through God’s grace received by faith in Jesus Christ. The Means of Grace help us receive, respond to, and grow in that grace throughout our lives.
What Are the Means of Grace?
The Means of Grace are spiritual practices that help believers remain connected to God and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Through these practices, God teaches, encourages, convicts, comforts, and transforms us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
For Christians, the Means of Grace are not simply religious duties. They are opportunities to encounter God, hear His voice, and deepen our relationship with Him.
Works of Piety
John Wesley often spoke of the “Works of Piety” as practices that help believers grow closer to God.
Prayer
Prayer is one of the primary ways we communicate with God. Through prayer we worship, confess, thank God for His blessings, and bring our needs before Him.
Prayer helps us align our hearts with God’s will and strengthens our dependence upon Him.
Scripture
God speaks through His Word. Reading, studying, memorizing, and reflecting upon Scripture helps believers understand God’s character, His promises, and His purposes.
The Bible shapes our beliefs, guides our decisions, and strengthens our faith.
Worship
Worship brings God’s people together to praise Him, hear His Word, pray, sing, and encourage one another.
Gathering with other believers reminds us that we are part of the Body of Christ and helps us grow in faith together.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is one of the most important Means of Grace in the Christian life.
Through the sacrament, believers remember Christ’s sacrifice, celebrate God’s saving grace, and experience spiritual nourishment through their relationship with Jesus.
Methodists believe Communion is a gift through which God continues to strengthen His people.
Fasting
Fasting is the practice of intentionally setting aside food or other distractions for a time in order to focus more fully on God.
Throughout Scripture, fasting is connected with prayer, repentance, spiritual renewal, and seeking God’s guidance.
Christian Fellowship
Christians were never intended to follow Jesus alone.
Faith grows through relationships with other believers who encourage, support, teach, and challenge one
another. Small groups, Sunday School classes, Bible studies, Emmaus Reunion Groups, and Christian friendships all help believers mature in faith.
Works of Mercy
John Wesley also emphasized that spiritual growth includes serving others.
The Christian life is not only about loving God. It is also about loving our neighbors.
Works of Mercy are ways believers share God’s love through compassionate action.
These acts may include caring for the sick, helping the poor, feeding the hungry, visiting those who are lonely, supporting those in need, and serving within the community.
As Christians serve others, they often discover that God is transforming their own hearts as well.
Why the Means of Grace Matter
Just as healthy habits help a person grow physically, the Means of Grace help believers grow spiritually.
These practices place us in environments where we are more attentive to God’s presence and more responsive to the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Means of Grace help us:
Grow in faith
Develop Christlike character
Strengthen our relationship with God
Deepen our understanding of Scripture
Remain connected to the Church
Serve others with compassion
Persevere through life’s challenges
As we practice these habits consistently, God continues His work of sanctifying grace within us.
The Means of Grace and Spiritual Growth
The Christian life is a journey.
God’s prevenient grace draws us toward Him.
God’s justifying grace saves us through faith in Jesus Christ.
God’s sanctifying grace transforms us throughout our lives.
The Means of Grace are some of the primary ways God carries out that transforming work.
How Spiritual Fruit Grows
The means of grace help us remain connected to Christ through prayer, worship, Scripture, communion, service, and Christian fellowship. As we practice these disciplines, the Holy Spirit uses them to grow spiritual fruit within us. Learn more on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit page.
A Methodist Understanding
Methodists have long emphasized both personal devotion and active service.
John Wesley taught that healthy discipleship includes both devotion to God and compassion for others. For this reason, Methodists value both Works of Piety and Works of Mercy.
Spiritual growth happens when believers continually seek God while also serving their neighbors in Christ’s name.
Related Pages
Foundations of Faith: Core Beliefs
Grace: Prevenient, Justifying, and Sanctifying Grace
Spiritual Growth and Sanctification
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Discipleship in the United Methodist Church
Closing Invitation
God desires not only to save us but also to shape us into faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Through prayer, worship, Scripture, Communion, fellowship, and service, believers continue growing in God’s grace and becoming more like Christ.
Visit PGUM.org to learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
