Weekday Devotionals

Praying the Beatitudes by Pete Keirstead

The Beatitudes are meant to facilitate “introspective prayers”.  These are prayers that typically lead with questions. We are praying & asking God to test our hearts and motivations both known and unknown.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Lord, send your Word, reveal what secret things lie in my heart

Matt 5:3 (NKJV/ NLT) “Blessed are the poor in spirit and realize their need for him, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.  
“How dependent on you Lord, am I really?  Am I so financially secure that I no longer need to live by faith? Am I too comfortable?  How might I deepen my dependence on you, becoming less self-reliant and more God dependent?  

Matt 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Jesus, what more can I offer you? IS there a sacrifice for my faith that you are asking me to make?” Teach me to walk the path you walked, the path of humility, forsaking what I want, what I deserve and what I think I am entitled to.

Matt 5:5 God blesses those who are humble [Meek], for they will inherit the whole earth.
“Lord, where am I exerting self-will? Show me area’s where I am controlling, even manipulating to get my way”

Matt 5:6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [spiritual passion], for they will be satisfied.
God, where are you asking me to step up my discipleship and invest in our relationship in a deeper way?

Matt. 5:7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Heavenly Father, you have been so merciful to me. Search my heart. Where am I holding wounds with bitterness? Where am I seeking vengeance rather than mercy? Give me the courage to extend forgiveness to those who don’t deserve it, didn’t ask for it and my never acknowledge it.

Matt 5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
Purity is a call for authenticity. Holy Spirit, check my heart and guard my lips. When am I hiding my true self behind a religious mask? When do I say what I think people want to hear? When do I say, “Yes”, with resentment because I am too insecure to say, “No”. Don’t allow me to say anything that is not completely honest and true.   Free me from the insecurity that leads to lies and people pleasing. “

Matt 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.  
Peace is a call for accountability. Lord, where do I need to have a tough conversation?  With whom do I need to make things right?

Matt 5:10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Holy Spirit, don’t let me be so accustomed to the culture of this world that I don’t stand out. Help me take a stand for you and your ways in all my affairs.

- Pastor Pete

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