Prayer for a Hurting Worldনমুনা

Today, we are praying through the Beatitudes, the famous words of Jesus that open the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. The Beatitudes are subversive statements that show just how radically counter-cultural Jesus’ kingdom is.

Let the words of Jesus lead you to pray powerful, kingdom-minded prayers.

Pray:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Lord, bless those who are in need with provision, and help each of us recognize our need for You. Though global poverty rates may seem insurmountable, give us the perspective of Your kingdom, and help us to have Your heart for the poor.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Bless those who are mourning loss of any kind—including mothers who lose children to preventable causes and children who are orphaned by violence and disease. Help us transcend isolation or distance to draw near to each other and mourn with those who mourn.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Bless those who humbly serve our communities, Lord—from our elected officials to our frontline workers. Help us humbly serve them well as their customers, clients, friends, family and community members.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Bless those all over the world who hunger—whether they hunger for belonging, friendship, faith or actual food. Help us to see and act on ways we can fill up those around us.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Lord, bless those who work in healthcare and provide healing and mercy to the sick—our doctors, surgeons, nurses, technicians, paramedics and more. Be merciful to them. Grant them rest, peace and protection.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Bless our children. Grant them the understanding to cope with all the overwhelming needs of the world around them. Protect them and give them peace. Help every one of us to be more childlike.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Bless those who give their time, resources and energy to seek the peace of their city. Show each of us how to be peacemakers, Lord, and may our peacemaking cause our neighbours to recognize You.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Bless those who continue to do what is right even when it’s hard. May we all be open to discomfort, for the sake of loving our neighbours in the way of Your kingdom. 

Amen.

Photo: In Indonesia, nine-year-old Compassion-sponsored child, Grace, prays with her family.