prevenient grace

noun

1. divine grace operating on the human will prior to its turning to God.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevenient grace¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Please – Holy Spirit of truth give prevenient grace and illumination and drive far away the attacks of Hell.

From Slate

We hear great men discussing the question of "prevenient grace," as they would discuss the composition of milk punch, and we hear them mutually anathematize each other on this plain and demonstrable proposition.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, contemporary writers thought fit to lament the time that common folk wasted in such disputes; when the Trinitarian controversy could be discussed on the benches of an alehouse, and apprentices neglect their work to argue the question of prevenient grace, we feel that we are in an atmosphere which if not religious, was at any rate theological.

From Project Gutenberg

He shows us the way by his prevenient grace, which is bestowed on all men without exception.

From Project Gutenberg

That the diligent worshipper doeth good to himself; not of himself but by the prevenient grace of God, which is freely given to all men without exception.

From Project Gutenberg