Rock of Ages
Sunday Morning Devotion: Week 23
Thank you for joining me today as we reflect on one of the Church’s most enduring hymns of praise and testimony. May your heart be stirred to worship and your faith deepened as we explore the richness of God’s redeeming grace.
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, our eternal Rock, we come to you with empty hands and dependent hearts. We bring no righteousness of our own, no merit, no strength. Thank you for the Rock that was cleft for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Let us hide ourselves in him today. May your Spirit open our eyes to your grace, stir our hearts to worship, and teach us to rest in your redeeming love. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Rock of Ages
By Augustus Toplady
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.
Key Principles from this Hymn
Salvation is by grace alone. Our works, tears, and zeal cannot atone for sin. Only Christ can save.
Christ’s sacrifice is the double cure. His blood both saves from God’s wrath and purifies the sinner.
Our hope in life and death is found in Christ alone. From this life’s final breath to the judgment throne, Jesus is our refuge.
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
What does it mean for Christ to be your “Rock of Ages,” and how have you experienced that personally?
How does the hymn challenge the idea that good works or strong emotions can secure salvation?
What is the “double cure” that Jesus provides, and why is it essential to understand both aspects?
In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own efforts rather than simply clinging to the cross?
How does this hymn prepare your heart for the reality of death and the hope of eternal life?
What does it look like to flee to the “fountain” of Christ daily for grace and cleansing?
How can you grow in humility and trust, learning to bring “nothing in your hand” before God?
Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon
Titus 3:5 - He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.
Romans 5:9 - Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Zechariah 13:1 - On that day there shall be a fountain opened... to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.
Psalm 62:7 - On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Action Steps
Reflect on your dependence on Christ. Start your day confessing your need for grace and reaffirming your trust in Jesus alone.
Memorize Titus 3:5 or Ephesians 2:8-9. Let these verses keep your heart anchored in God’s mercy.
Prepare your heart for eternity. Consider writing out a short testimony that expresses how you are trusting Christ as your only refuge in life and death.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord Jesus, you are the Rock of Ages, cleft for us. Thank you for your wounds that have become our refuge. Thank you for the grace that saves and the power that cleanses. We bring nothing to you but need, and yet you give us everything. You are our hope now, and our shelter at death. Help us to live in humble dependence, trusting not in our works but in your finished work on the cross. Let us hide in you always. Amen.
Prayer Prompts
Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.
Petition – prayers for yourself
Help me to mature in my faith and to increasingly please God by my thoughts, words, and deeds.
Particular struggles in various relationships
My activities for this day
Other needs
Intercession – prayers for others
My Family
My local church
My denomination
Para-church ministries, particularly Christian education and discipleship
Evangelistic ministries
Other needs
Quotation from Church History
“Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die, I stake my whole eternity.”
(Horatius Bonar)
Thank you again for joining me today. I pray this reflection has encouraged and blessed you. Feel free to share it with others and invite them to subscribe. New devotionals and resources are available each week. Discover more by clicking here: Walking Points.