The following originally appeared as part of "Rooted and Established in Love—Week 8: The Family Tree."
Morning Prayer
[The following prayer could be interspersed with the singing of Tommy Walker’s “Beatitudes Song” (charts available at tommywalkerministries.org), another song on the Beatitudes, or a simple prayer refrain. You could also choose to use two voices, one to read the Scripture texts included throughout and the other to offer the prayer.]
Using Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, we turn to our God in prayer. This morning we are praying through the Beatitudes, remembering the weaker parts of our family tree—the branches who lack nutrients, who are suffering from illness, who are tossed about in the winds, who feel alienated from the whole. Let’s bow our heads in prayer.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
We pray for the poor: for those globally and within our borders who lack basic necessities like healthy and nutrient-rich food, clean water, shelter, and clothing. We pray also for the poor in spirit. We pray that all might have a spiritual humility that turns us towards our saving Lord.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
We pray for those who mourn the loss of loved ones, good health, regular employment, mental faculties, and more. There are many among us who grieve, some more publicly and some in the quiet ache in their own hearts. Be close to those who mourn.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
We pray for those who willingly serve God in whatever place or task to which they are called. We pray for their efforts to be obedient in building Christ’s kingdom. We pray for our missionaries: for [name missionaries and their fields]. We pray for the many members of our church family who are currently serving abroad in their own vocations, bringing forth your kingdom all over the world: for [name the families].
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
We pray for those who ardently desire and pursue righteousness and goodness in the world. We pray for those who give their lives and service in pursuit of justice.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
We remember those who are daily in the trenches of dealing with human misery and suffering. We pray for health care professionals globally and domestically. We pray for those who work for disaster aid agencies.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).
We pray that you will help us all to be pure in heart, to see God and do everything for God’s glory. We pray that our love for you will be unadulterated and unswayed. Give us pure hearts to seek after you, to serve you, and to love you with all our heart, mind, and strength.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
We pray for those who strive for shalom in their own lives and in the lives of others—to be right with God, to trust him wholeheartedly and obey him. In a world where there seems to be little peace between countries, between people and their governments, between brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends, we pray for peace. We pray for mutual respect, for a recognition of each other’s worth, for a willingness to seek peace.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
We pray for the millions of Christians in the world who are persecuted for their belief in you. Give them strength in the face of trial and courage in the face of danger. On this day, when many around the world are praying for the persecuted church, we join our voices and cry to you. We pray for the persecuted church and the people you love so dearly.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12).
We pray for those building the kingdom of God by living with countercultural values—for those who choose your way instead of the easy way. For those who choose to stand up for their beliefs when conforming to popular opinion is the more attractive option.
We rejoice and we are glad, for you are blessed, you are holy, you are worthy of all our praise. Hear our prayers and hear our praises. Amen.
—Kathryn Roelofs © 2025 ReformedWorship.org, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Epiphany—Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Year A: Season after Pentecost—All Saints Day
