With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4) O Lord, I suffer grief and loss. You alone are my comfort. Amen.
Word: Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Meditation
When countless voices are shouting for our attention, sit at the feet of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He says things that are backwards to the world. He speaks what no one else is saying. He says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5) “Meek” means lowly and humble. The “meek” are largely unseen. There is nothing flashy about them. We live in a selfie culture. A world obsessed with approval, praise, and popularity. Self-promotion is a high commodity. You have to be seen and noticed.
But Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek.” The “meek” are easy to overlook and undervalue. They are dependent on God. They live not by their own power, but by the strength of the Lord. When the world overlooks the meek, Jesus calls them blessed.
Do you feel overlooked and undervalued? Do you worry that you’re not very special? Welcome to the company of the disciples. Welcome to the presence of your humble Lord, who says, “Blessed are the meek.”
Prayer for Life as a Child of God
· For the Father to give me care and guidance.
· For forgiveness when I wander and want my own way.
· For the Father to keep me childlike in faith even as I age.
· For growth in faith, that I love and trust in God above all things.
· For strength to obey God.
· For the Father to heal my hurts.
· For assurance when I doubt.
Closing Prayer
Lord, you lift up the meek and humble. So I am quick to run to you. I am tired and trampled today. The days grow darker and I have no strength in me. But I know that you are light and life. Overwhelm me with your blessing, that my small life may bring you glory. Amen.