Reading With the People of God #11 Blessed预览

Focus of the month: (The Beatitudes)

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

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

- Matthew 5:3-12

The Substance of Prayer

In today’s reading, we will be blessed with the “Our Father” prayer from Jesus. The “Lord’s Prayer” is a better designation for John 17, whereas the model given here might be better entitled “The Disciples’ Prayer.” We may choose to pray these exact words thoughtfully and reflectfully or to put into our own words similar concerns.

Please notice the personal relationship to God mentioned is never a private subjective relationship. Instead, it is a relationship maintained and sustained within the community of faith (Our Father). The use of the term “Abba” was virtually unparalleled in first-century Judaism. We should consider God as accessible as the most loving human parent, however, we should not read into the term as if God has gender or sexuality. God is Spirit (John 4).

The term “in heaven” balances this intimacy with a reverent reminder of God’s sovereignty and majesty. He is in control, no matter what we see on the news! “Hallowed be Your name” refers to one’s person, character, and authority. All that God stands for should be treated as holy and honored because of His perfection and goodness.

V. 10 is what our church prays each week after the benediction: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” In our prayers, our desire should be to see God‘s reign in today’s world as it happens every minute in His throne room. To do this, each of us must set aside personal agendas and goals as we build His kingdom, not our own!

* Devotional primer contributed by Brian Mott, Ministering Elder at Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla