A Prayer about Lasting Joy and Blessing
Lord Jesus,
We confess, we need your blessing to transform our minds.
I heard a revealing statistic yesterday:
When asked, “What is your purpose in life?”
84 percent of Americans answered,
“To be happy.”
Asked how they will become happy,
they said “by following their hearts.”
That’s a long way away from the kind of joy and blessing
you talk about in your kingdom.
You say that those who are poor in spirit
are blessed and joyful
because they belong in your kingdom.
You say that those who mourn
are blessed and joyful
because they will be comforted in your kingdom.
You say that the humble
are blessed and joyful
because they shall inherit the earth.
You say that the merciful
are blessed and joyful
because they shall receive mercy.
You say that the pure in heart
are blessed and joyful
because they shall see God.
You say that the peacemakers
are blessed and joyful
because they shall be called your children.
You say that the persecuted
are blessed and joyful
because they belong in your kingdom.
Jesus, forgive us for our self-centered pursuit
of what we want when we want it.
Turn us upside down
so we can learn to live and love
in your upside-down kingdom,
putting you and others before ourselves.
In your sacrificial name. Amen.
Read Matthew 5:5-12.