As we come before God together, I would invite us into the Beatitudes: into their surprising blessings, and
their bold proclamation of the Kingdom. Throughout generations, the followers of Jesus have relied on
these seemingly simple words to guide their lives, to help them understand God’s will, and to direct them
into prayer for and suffering with the world.
This morning as we gather our prayers, I will read each blessing and invite you to repeat it. Then I will
suggest a focus for a brief time of silent prayer. Let’s begin with silence.
Brief silence
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
All: Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Lord Jesus, you see past achievements, status, and work ethic choosing to be on the side of the weak,
the forgotten, the despised. Your gaze is upon the broken – of heart, body, spirit.
Reveal yourself to the poor of this world
for whom the kingdom of heaven often seems distant and unattainable.
Silence
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
All: Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Comforting God, draw near to those who are in mourning,
who have lost someone or something dear to them.
Draw near to those who mourn the injustices of this world
such as hunger, homelessness, corruption.
We pray for the blessing of comfort to strengthen us.
Silence
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
ALL: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
We praise you Jesus for your example of humility.
We strive to be more like Jesus every day.
but our pride often gets in the way, as does our stubbornness and selfishness
Rescue us from pride, we pray and help us walk the path of humility.
Silence
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled
ALL: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Fit us we pray to call attention to the injustices in the world that abound,
Strengthen us to work together in support of ministries of justice
and may your Spirit transform us through our active participation
feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, caring for creation.
Silence
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
ALL: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Lord God, you are merciful, slow to anger, abounding in compassion and truth. Be merciful to us, our
families, your church, and those who stand in a place of need.
Silence
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
ALL: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
We pray for a heart that desires nothing more than to abide in You and Your love.
Open the eyes of our heart to your presence in our lives and in your world.
Silence
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
ALL: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace,
generously sowing love, injuring pardon, living faith boldly.
Where there is despair may hope abound; where darkness dwells may your light of love break through.
Silence
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
ALL: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Around the world, many Christians are persecuted — imprisoned, even killed — for their faith.
Be their rock, their safety, their peace and may their witness remain strong.
Emmanuel, God with us,
as we continue on this journey with you and one another,
may we live into your blessing and be a blessing in your world
we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen
We pray for those who are journeying through hard days – those who are waiting on tests, follow up appointments, or living with
chronic pain. May your love surround them.
We pray for our loved ones who are experiencing limitations due to aging bodies and loved ones in long-
term care. Surround each family with loving kindness and grant
deep measures of compassion and patience.
As Covid and significant cold/flu viruses circulate in our communities and families, we pray for
healing, grace and protection over all.
We pray for our Households of Faith. Bless their lives with purpose and meaning, rest and loving relationship. Draw them ever near to Your heart of blessing. Amen.