Praying the Beatitudes

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I prayed this prayer very often in Russia. It helped me through a time when I could only see life through a negative lens. This helped remind me why I am here.

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 sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

Today may I not find fulfillment in bread, but on the words of my King. May I strive for these qualities in every decision and opportunity that comes before me today. May my attitude not be of trust in myself, but instead being spiritually bankrupt, requiring everything from the Lord. I want to live today living in the fact that without God I am wretched and worthless. God Almighty alone makes me what I am.

May my spirit be mournful for all the times I break my mighty Father's heart. May I be gentle and lowly of heart, a man of few words. May I be slow to speech, not because I have nothing to say but because every word from my mouth is saturated in humility and wisdom. May I be confident, strong, and courageous yet willing to submit myself in every situation.

May I search and plead for goodness in my life. Any opportunity to serve and be spent, may it be seized without hesitation. May I search Your Word in my heart and continued study to seek Your Character to imitate. May righteousness alone sustain me.

May I speak and act as one who is going to be judged by the law that gives freedom. Because mercy triumphs over judgment in me, may my speech and actions be flowing with mercy in every encounter.

My heart. May it be one that seeks a smile on Your Face. In every decision may I wonder if I made Jehovah smile or not. In every motivation and thought may I seek the good of others and the Kingdom of Christ, seeking every opportunity with the the uttermost fierceness and determination.

May I fight for peace today: unity between brothers, peace with every man and God. May peace be one of my chief desires. May I courageously be an agent of peace... especially when it comes at a heavy price.

May my goodness be so extreme that it offends those who are not. Not because I am arrogant or self-reliant, but because like Daniel my sole object of affection is the Lord Almighty. May the criticism and slander of people be ineffective on my resolution to live for Christ whatever.

Lord, today may I seek You with all my mind, body, and soul. I am in existence as result of Your Unfailing Love. I truly hope that fact affects every decision I make today. Thank You, God of all the Earth.

Today is not my own. It is Yours.