Take a moment to refresh, refocus, and refine your faith.
I pray you recognize your spiritual poverty – that dark, empty chasm within that nothing seems to fill – so you will come to know complete fulfillment in Christ whether for the first time or anew.
I pray you grieve your sins, not wallow in or continuously rake yourself over the coals for them, but to receive grace and mercy in your inmost being so you may live unfettered and jubilantly free.
I pray you use your gifts, talents, abilities, and resources for good. That you are empowered by living in the Holy Spirit’s sway, reigning your strength against wrath and channeling it productively instead.
I pray your desire to know and become more like Jesus grows daily, that you indulge in his holy word like the most succulent food, but never become so satisfied that your appetite fades.
I pray God pours you to overflowing with compassion. When you are wronged, I ask all traces of bitterness, anger, and resentment be swept out and replaced by mercy. I pray instead of judgement you see the world with tenderness.
I pray your heart comes to resemble the Lord’s temple more each day – nothing within that doesn’t belong and everything gleaming and glorious in its rightful place.
I pray you act as an agent of peace simply by carrying the presence of God within you, sensitive to his leading as you confront conflicts big and small.
And I pray you experience the deepest joy and intimacy with Christ when the enemy’s powers rise against you. May you take hope and strength in the presence of God here and now as well as the fulfillment of is promises to come. Amen.
Matthew 5:3-10
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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