Blessing

The Beatitudes are a series of blessings, spoken over the most unexpected of people. They lay the foundation of Jesus’ transformative message: The Sermon on the Mount. Over the next 12 days, we will explore how Jesus embodied each of the beatitudes, and how we, can follow Him and live in a radically different way.

First let’s start by praying...

God of every blessing, I invite You to shape my soul with Your words and inspire my life through Your works. Teach me to walk in the way of blessing.

Pause and pray

I feel blessed. I have a home, food in the fridge, family around me, purpose and provision. Yet, circumstantial comforts like mine aren’t the kind of blessing Jesus is talking about. As Jesus launches His manifesto for living, He begins by speaking the generosity and goodness of God over those whose lives seem decidedly un-blessed. It’s a surprising and powerful declaration; words of hope with the power to transform. Divine favour for the struggling, the overlooked, the oppressed, the grieving, the hungry and the humble.

As I think about the beatitudes, do I particularly relate to one of them? Do I feel spiritually poor? Am I grieving? Am I tired of wrestling my ego and inner world into greater humility and surrender to God?

Jesus, help me to receive Your blessing. Help me know Your favour and Your presence. Transform me from the inside out, whatever my circumstance.

Pause and pray

In the book of Genesis, when Isaac was tricked into giving the blessing meant for his heir, Esau, to his younger son, Jacob, he couldn’t take it back. (Genesis 27:30-40). God’s blessing could not be undone. I too can ask God to powerfully and irrevocably bless others.

Holy Spirit, bring to mind a friend or family member now; how can I declare the favour of God over them today?

Pause and pray

‘Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing’, writes James. ‘My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?’ (James 3:10-11)

As I join with Jesus, declaring God’s blessing, I am challenged by James' words. Can I surrender everything I say, not just my prayers, to God? How salty is my speech? Do I need help to tame my tongue?

Pause and pray

God, I confess that I gossip, I lie, I criticise without love and I curse others, and yet, I still expect to speak with Your authority and blessing. I’m sorry; please forgive me. As I meditate on the beatitudes, sanctify my speech. Make my mouth like a fresh spring, bubbling with life-giving water.

Amen.