Grace is yours as a son or daughter of the King.
The common definition of grace is unmerited favor, or favor you don’t deserve. Favor is a privilege, something special that is given to an elect group, not everyone. So grace is something special given to you then you didn’t deserve. And as a son or daughter of the King, you are covered in grace. But grace is like all the gifts of the Spirit, if you don’t receive it, it won’t operate in your life.
Why do you need to ask for grace? Grace will cover you when you mess up. Grace will open doors that wouldn’t normally open for you. Grace will promote you earlier than expected. It’s not that you haven’t worked hard already, it’s that grace will give you an extra blessing on top of that. Your resume will be at the top of the pile. You work will be noticed and appreciated. The checkout line will move quickly when you have to be somewhere else.
Grace is not a magic wand. It’s not a trump card you pull out when you need it. It is a blessing from heaven that is available to us as sons and daughters of the King. God wants to bless us and give us favor. He wants to bless us with grace. It’s ok to ask for. And it’s fun to watch. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (Jam 4:6)
Another post on grace: Grace Protects Against Sin