Matthew Chapter 5 Verses 1 - 12 & Prayers

PRAYER & READING

Morning Prayer

O God, my Father, who makes the light to shine out of the darkness, I thank you for waking me to see the light of this new day. Grant unto me to waste none of its hours; to soil none of its moments; to neglect none of its opportunities; to fail in none of its duties. Bring me to the evening time undefeated by any temptation, at peace with myself, at peace with those I meet, and at peace with you. This I ask for your love’s sake. Amen

Matthew Chapter 5 : verses 1 – 12

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Evening Prayer

O God, my Father, I thank you for this day which is passing from me now.

For any glimpse of beauty, I have seen;

For any echo of your truth that I have heard;

For any kindness I have received;

For any good that I have been enabled to do;

And for any temptation which you gave me the grace to overcome:

I thank you, O God.

I ask your forgiveness for anything which has spoiled and marred this day.

For any word which now I wish that I had never spoken;

For any deed which now I wish that I had never done;

For everything which makes me ashamed when I remember it;

Forgive me, O God.

Eternal God, who gave me this day for work and the night for rest, grant me, as I go to rest, a good night’s sleep; and wake refreshed for tomorrow, better able to serve you and to serve those I meet.

This I ask, through Jesus Christ my Lord.