Means of Grace

Mar 22, 2026 | By Sarah Adams UT Austin ‘26

During this time of Lent, many are drawn, by the example of Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness, to place an emphasis on spiritual disciplines. One major example of this is fasting. Lent is a unique time when many Christians might practice fasting even if they have never or rarely practiced it before. In addition, many undertake new habits in the areas of prayer or Bible study during this season.

Spiritual disciplines are complicated. The Bible emphasizes the importance of putting in active work to grow- Paul instructs Timothy to “train [himself] for godliness” and compares the process to physical training [1]. But elsewhere, Paul asserts that “it is God who works in [us], both to will and to work for his good pleasure” [2]. So, it requires hard work on our part, but it isn’t actually our work that produces a result?

I have experienced this tension in the past when trying to approach spiritual habits wholeheartedly. When I first tried fasting during Lent, I did not understand how it was supposed to bring me closer to God. It was more of an exercise of willpower—a way to prove to myself that I could give up something I enjoyed, like video games or candy, day after day. It felt performative and unnecessary. Only recently has the Spirit begun to reveal the point of it all to me.

I have realized that the purpose of spiritual disciplines is not accomplishment. These practices are only difficult in order to grab our attention. I often feel like I need to do something to prove to God that I am worthy of His care. But He is always near, always waiting for us to focus on Him. This is why these disciplines are often called ‘means of grace’: because, through them, we seek to continuously receive the grace He continuously offers.

I began to see these habits not as accomplishments of my own but reminders to rely on God. They no longer felt like chores because I can see how they are exercising the muscles of trust in God. When I am working on prayer habits, I notice how I turn to prayer more quickly throughout my day. When I practice fasting, I remind myself over and over how God provides and sustains until I begin to believe it deeply. These habits are by no means easy, but what a blessing it is that it is not up to us to provide the grace, only to receive it.

God did not create spiritual disciplines as busywork. Instead, He desires our hearts to pursue Him and receive the blessings He has for us. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” [3].

[1] 1 Tim. 4:7 ESV

[2] Philippians 2:13 ESV

[3] Hebrews 4:16 ESV