Continuous Grace

Smokie Norful's “Continuous Grace” is a song of gratitude for being forgiven again and again. The first verse describes what happens when he stumbles: “Every time I fall, He answers my call, picks me up, dusts me off, and tells me to start over.” When he is weak, God is his strength, and he admits, “I really don't deserve it.” The repeated words “again and again” come back as the idea that the grace never runs out.

The second verse says that every time he calls, God is “always on time.” God dries his tears, tells him he is his, and lets him know that he is God's. The chorus restates the thanks, “Again and again, for His continuous grace,” with the confession, “Lord, I don't deserve it.” In the vamp, the singer shifts from admitting unworthiness to claiming the promise. He says that others may not see it, but he will achieve it, because of this grace, and ends with “Yes, I believe it, and I receive it.” The notes say the ending can be repeated as desired, so the song can be extended live as the congregation responds. It is simple, soulful and designed for sharing in worship.

Mercies new every morning are in Lamentations 3:22-23. The Lord raising those who fall is Psalm 145:14, and power made perfect in weakness is 2 Corinthians 12:9.