And seeing the multitudes, he went up on a mountain, and when he was seated his disciples came to him. (Matthew 5:1)
Holy Spirit, please help us come to Jesus.
Then he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: (Matthew 5:2)
Jesus, help us hear and receive your teaching.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Jesus, please help us recognize our poverty of spirit and turn to you to receive more of your Holy Spirit.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
Father, please give us your love and compassion for those who mourn; help us minister the comfort of the Holy Spirit to them.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)
Holy Spirit, bring our strength under your control. Help us enter the inheritance you have prepared for us.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Father, help all of us who hunger and thirst for you and your righteousness come to the waters; and buy that wine and milk which cannot be bought with money — it is priceless. (See Isaiah 55:1)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
Jesus, thank you for your grace — giving us what we don’t deserve — and for your mercy — not giving us what we do deserve. Help us show forth your grace and mercy to others.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 )
Father, bring us to purity of heart so that we may see you.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Jesus, you said to Jerusalem, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19:42) Help us know what makes for true peace and minister that peace to others.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
Jesus, please help us overcome evil with good. Thank you for the witness of Paul and Silas and Stephen and Polycarp and so many of your saints through the centuries who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
A word received: Be prepared — be listening — be prepared to do my work.
Set your hearts on the pilgrim’s path.
I will direct you, be prepared.
Thursday: [70], 71; 1 Kings 22:29-45; 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15; Matthew 5:1-10
Friday: 69:1-23(24-30)31-38; 2 Kings 1:2-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Matthew 5:11-16
Albany Intercessor
