Praying the Be Attitudes
It was important enough for Jesus to climb a hill and deliver a message to a huge crowd of people. The 8 Beatitudes offered in the Sermon on the Mount have survived and been passed on to us over the ages for a reason. Jesus challenges us and issues a radical wake up call to all his followers. He describes how to live a life whole-heartedly for God by going the extra mile, well beyond the letter of the law.
If we follow these seemingly simple “rules”, we will be blessed in return. But there is the rub. The reward part, the second half of each Beatitude, sounds great. But the first half, action part—not so easy. And FYI - wake up calls are not my favorite.
I struggle with some of the words Jesus used. Poor in spirit. They who mourn. Meek. Hungry for righteousness. The persecuted. These are some tough concepts for me. I hear negative connotations. No doubt, I will have to leave my pride at home and check the ego at the door to enter into the spirit of the Beatitudes.
What became obvious was that I needed to pray, both with the Beatitudes and also my personal response to them. So here goes…
Blessed are the poor in spirit – please make me increasingly aware of my spiritual poverty that I may trust even more in God’s power - for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn – may God give me the kind of sorrow that leads me away from sin and toward his saving grace – for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek – keep me humble and dependent on God rather than myself – for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness – may I deeply desire and long for the things of God; He can fill all my needs – for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful – may God allow my brokenness to make me a more tender-hearted, compassionate and kind person – for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart – may I grow in my vocation of holiness, knowing, loving and serving God and others. I pray to be transformed by the Holy Spirit to love God above everything; I want to give Jesus a true home in my heart – for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers – help me, Lord, to not only forget to hold grudges, but to quickly forgive others and work on mending relationships – for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness – help me to stand firm in my beliefs; when I get push back from non-believers or those of a different faith, give me the strength and courage to respond with love and patience. Or to say nothing at all – for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Praying we can live the Beatitudes more fully each day.