Blessed Jesus, you offered us all your blessings when you announced…
“Blessed are the poor in spirit” — but we have been rich in pride.
“Blessed are those who mourn” — but we have not known much sorrow for our sin.
Blessed are the meek” — but we are a stiff-necked people.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”
— but we have filled ourselves to the full with other things.
“Blessed are the merciful,” — but we are harsh and impatient.
“Blessed are the pure in heart,” — our lives are cluttered with impure
thoughts, motives and deeds.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” — but we have not sought reconciliation.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,”— but our
lives oftentimes do not challenge the ways, priorities and values of the
world.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all
kinds of evil against you because of me,” —but we have hardly made it
known that we are yours. We plead with you to cleanse us of our sins and
purify our hearts. AMEN.