To Be A Blessing
Sunday’s Verse:
From Matthew 5:2 ESV
And (Jesus) opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
The Sermon on the Mount began with the Beatitudes. As Jesus sat down on a hillside and began to teach, He started by flipping the world’s version of “blessing” on its head. The poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the merciful — these are not the people who receive standing ovations in this world. But in the Kingdom of God, these are the ones who are called blessed.
The Beatitudes are not the requirements for earning God’s favor. They are the characteristics of a life that already belongs to Him. They are the portrait of the Christian life — a life of humility, compassion, peace-seeking, purity of heart — because they are a reflection of Jesus Himself. Each “blessed” points us back to Him: the One who was poor for our sake, who mourned over sin, who was merciful to the lost, and who endured persecution out of love for the world.
On this All Saints’ Sunday, we remember that this blessed way of life is carried on in and through all who serve God and neighbor in faith. The saints — past and present — show us that holiness is not perfection, but love in action. Their quiet faithfulness, their care for neighbor, their steadfast trust in Christ — these are the ways the Kingdom breaks into the world.
As followers of Jesus, we too are called to live the Beatitudes, not to gain a blessing, but to be a blessing. Wherever you show mercy, seek peace, or stand firm in faith, the light of Christ shines through you.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, You have called us blessed, not because of what we have done, but because of what You have done for us. Help us to live each day in Your grace, serving You by serving others, until that day when we join all the saints around Your throne. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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