Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.  Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Come Holy Spirit

Replace the tension within me

with holy relaxation.

…the turbulence within me

with scared calm.

…the anxiety within me

with a quiet confidence.

…the fear within me

with strong faith

…the bitterness within me

with the sweetness of grace.

Replace the darkness within me

with a gentle light.

…the coldness within me

with a loving warmth.

…the night within me

with Your day.

…the winter within me

with Your spring.

Replace the harshness of criticism within me

with the gentleness of Your love.

…the strains of imprudence within me with

the wisdom of Your Spirit.

Straighten my crookedness,

Fill my emptiness.

Dull the edge of my pride,

Sharpen the edge of my humility.

Light the fires of my love,

Quench the flames of lust.

Let me see myself as You see me,

That I may see You as You have promised.

And be fortunate according to Your Word:

“Blessed are the pure of heart,

for they shall see God