Praying the Beatitudes

You feel God’s presence everywhere in Israel, but if I had to choose the place where I felt the closest to Christ, it had to be the Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

It was there that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, containing the Beatitudes, the Golden Rule, the Lord’s Prayer and an overall blueprint for living a godly life.

As I walked around admiring this special place, where a small church designed by famous painter Antonio Bellucci now stands, there was no doubt. We were walking where our Savior walked, and where he delivered the most important address of all time, for all who believe in him.

So when our tour leader, Rabbi Marty Cohen, told us we had a little quiet time on to reflect on the Mount of Beatitudes, I was overjoyed. I walked over to the exact place I believed Jesus taught, and after spending some time in silence, I began to pray the Beatitudes over my life.

Lord help me to be poor in spirit…

Lord help me to be meek…

Lord help me to hunger and thirst for righteousness…

Lord help me to be merciful…

When I was done praying, the presence of the Holy Spirit was so thick, I had tears streaming down my face. I then looked up and saw the outline of a body in the sky, that could only be Jesus, who heard my prayer. I was so in awe of the image, I didn’t think to snap a photo soon enough, so I could share the moment with you, but perhaps you might be able to see a part of what I witnessed.

I will never forget it, and the Beatitudes have never left me.

This morning, after studying various interpretations, commentaries, and study Bibles about this famous passage, I am praying The Beatitudes over my life again, but in my own words. It’s a beautiful prayer for the New Year. Perhaps it will be yours as well for 2015:

Lord, help me to understand my own spiritual helplessness, that I am weak, and cannot make it in this world without you.

Lord, I pray I never discount my sins, and that I mourn for the sins of the world. I pray I am always thankful for your grace in my life.

Lord, I pray I never forget that you are in control of my life through your Holy Spirit, and that I am not in charge.

Lord, I desire to be a righteous woman, and want to follow you completely. Guide me always in your path, and make your direction clear to me.

Lord, give me a heart for your people. Break my heart for what breaks yours. Through your guidance, show me how to meet the needs of others.

Lord, enable me to maintain a pure mind and heart; set me apart in a life centered on your purposes.

Lord, I pray to desire peace, not conflict. I seek forgiveness rather than retribution, and restoration over broken relationships. Help me to love others, even those who have hurt me.

Lord, despite any persecution, or hard times that come my way because of my belief in you, I pray that I never waver in my faith. Give me the strength to remain steadfast, allied always to you and rejoicing until I take my last breath.

In the powerful name of Jesus, I pray this prayer, AMEN