We use the word 'grace' in at least three different ways.
Grace (1)
The most important use of the word 'grace' is when we talk about the 'grace of God'.
When we talk about God as being 'gracious' we are reminding ourselves about how generous he is towards us, his children. The grace of God refers to all the good things that he so freely gives to us - the free gift of God.
Grace (2)
'Grace' is also a prayer that we say before (and/or after) a meal. We thank God for our food and often call to mind those who are less well off than ourselves.
Grace (3)
'The Grace' is a prayer that is based on the words at the very end of Saint Paul's Second Letter to the Church at Corinth.
The modern prayer reads: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen." In worship, the grace is often used to end a sequence of prayers.
© J D Yule 2003