A deathbed prayer (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2

A deathbed prayer (2)
Only one more hour to live! I lay on my deathbed, intending to pray to God, so as to get to heaven. First I had to gather my thoughts. When I looked at my watch, a quarter of an hour had passed already. Shocked, I said to myself: "Now I must ask God for grace."

In my mind I saw my family back at home and wondered what they would say when they heard of my death. I looked at my watch again. Another twenty minutes had passed. I searched desperately for the right words to pray, but found nothing suitable. I was too weak to carry out my intention. I couldn't plead God's grace.

Another look at the time: two more minutes, and the hour had passed. I pulled myself together and tried to say a prayer that I had once learnt: "Our Father, which art in heaven." I got no further; I was too ill to remember the words. In despair I had to recognise that I could not ask God's grace on my deathbed.

But God spared my life. Shortly afterwards I heard the gospel: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). I also heard: "Now is the day of salvation." I rea­lised how stupid it was to wait and postpone this important decision. Jesus Christ invites us to come now. He wishes to save and grant eternal life now, not on one's deathbed.

I finally did what was necessary: I confessed my sins to Jesus Christ and accepted the grace that He offers on the basis of His atoning death. He received me. I am saved already now and lead a happy life under His guidance.

(concluded)

Today's reading: Jeremiah 1:1-19 · Luke 19:28-38