According to Wesley, prevenient grace is present in creation, which is a gift, in our families that we did not choose but which we inherit, in the church’s word and sacraments, which are gifts, and in a conscience, which drives us to do, what is right. We are surrounded by gifts we could never merit or create. These “natural” gifts are prevenient grace – God’s unmerited love available for all. These gifts are intimations of a Transcendent love. They whet our appetites for more. These gifts point us toward a grace that transforms all that is.

For Wesley, prevenient grace was the front porch of religion. Some people live out their days on the porch. They experience God’s grace at the edge, out on the periphery. We do not disparage such porch dwellers. Indeed, becoming aware of wonderful gifts that one can enjoy on the porch is itself an act of grace.