Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall possess the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice's sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men reproach you, and persecute you, and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for My sake.
Amen.
Prayer to Attain the Grace of the Beatitudes
Poor in Spirit: Lord, Your love and Your grace are enough for me. Help me know that everything else is secondary.
Gentle: Lord, make me kind in thought, word and deed.
Mourn: Lord, give me the capacity to care for others’ sorrow and to care for harm done to the progress of Your Kingdom.
Hunger and Thirst: Lord, give me the grace to act justly in all circumstances and to work for justice for those deprived of it.
Merciful: Lord, help me to let go of offenses, being ready to forgive, but knowing deeply what is being forgiven.
Pure of Heart: Lord, help me to be genuinely me, which above all, is to be your disciple.
Peacemaker: Lord, help me become skilled at conflict management, and remind me that honesty about the reality of the offenses helps clear the air.
Persecuted: You have told me, Lord, that in our world today, I must take it as a given that I am not above You, my Master, who were Yourself reviled. Make me brave, Lord.
Amen
