Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is recorded in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. At the very beginning of the teaching, Jesus points us toward the condition of our heart before telling us what He wants us to do. Maybe He knew that we are much more apt to understand and do His commands after our hearts have been softened and made receptive by His love. The following is a list of questions to ask God in prayer and listen for His reply. These questions are based on the study I (Dave) have done in the Beatitudes over the years. I hope they encourage each of us to pray, to address our Father, to listen to Him, and to do as Jesus directs. I need to be reminded often, that, though I am saved by grace through faith, my life message is being observed every day beginning at home and extending as far as God allows the reach. How, where, and whether or not I shine as a light for Jesus matters and may mean life or death to others looking for authentic hope.
Beatitude Prayer Guide – “How’s Your Heart?”
Did I live loved and give Jesus’ love freely today…starting with my closest relationships?
Matthew 5:3-12
Directions: Would you please pray one or more of these Morning Prayers before leaving home? Would you ask God and listen to Him using the Evening Prayer before going to sleep at night? In the morning ask the Father to accomplish His will, then in the evening give Him praise.
1. Morning Prayer – Father, may I realize that I am 100% needy of your love and provision 100% of the time. Help me not feel superior or inferior to others; help me to live loved and give Jesus’ love freely.
Evening Prayer – Father, are there those to whom I felt inferior or superior today? If so, I admit it to you now that I am neither. I am just as loved by You and just as needy of You, as every other person . Are you my greatest source of hope for a blessed and enviable life?
2. Morning Prayer – Father, may I bring my pain to you today when I am hurt by others or when I hurt others. Help me to admit my wrong and hurt to You and others as You direct.
Evening Prayer – Father, did I do damage to others today leaving them in their aloneness when I could have shown your love? Was my heart damaged today being left in my aloneness? Did I admit either or both to you? Does anyone but You, Father, control my thoughts and emotions?
3. Morning Prayer – Father, may I submit to your opinion of me and conduct myself in a way that shows I value your will and ways more than I do anyone else’s; even more than my own.
Evening Prayer – Father, was my life today a clear example of someone who didn’t live my life for myself but lived it in complete submission to Your will and way? Does Your opinion of me matter most? Am I free of insecurity and fear, knowing you keep your promises to me?
4. Morning Prayer – Father, rather than do good deeds today to make myself acceptable to You or liked by others, may I do what I do from gratitude because You already love and accept me.
Evening Prayer – Father, did I walk today in the satisfaction of knowing I am loved and accepted not because I am good but because Jesus, Who lives in me, declares me to be acceptable to You?
5. Morning Prayer – Father, may I forgive others from the heart today as You forgive me, whether the wrong I experienced was recent, distant past, a single incident, or continuous over time.
Evening Prayer – Father, was there anyone today to whom I didn’t show mercy but held them at arm’s length or kept them caged in my prison of unforgiveness? Is my heart free of anger and bitterness?
6. Morning Prayer – Father, may I hold nothing in my heart that would be considered an unnecessary weight or unconfessed sin, so that my heart can be pure, and I can see You as you truly are.
Evening Prayer – Father, is there anything in my heart that would be considered a burden (damage others inflicted on me) or a sin (damage I did to others)? Is there anything in either category in my heart as I prepare to sleep and rest?
7. Morning Prayer – Father, may I live as a peacemaker today; and be in Your service bringing people together and to You, as any loved child in Your forever family is able to do.
Evening Prayer – Father, was I a peacemaker or a trouble maker today? Was there any gap between two people or between You and another person where I served as a bridge at Your direction or did I make the gap bigger in any relationship?
8. Morning Prayer – Father, as a child of Yours, my actions and motives may, at times, be misunderstood or unappreciated today. Whether accepted by others or not, may I continue to love.
Evening Prayer – Father, what was it today that challenged my faith or my trust in You? Was I stopped in my loving devotion to You or my service to others because someone misunderstood or challenged me? Was I a resilient Christian today, loving even when ignored or rejected?
Note: Each of these 8 prayer reminders is based on a Beatitude: Matthew 5:3-12