How can we pray for and seek blessings on our life that are both scriptural and Kingdom driven? Praying the beatitudes on our life is a great place to start.

Stale Prayers

Have you ever reached into a bag of your favorite chips anticipating flavor heaven, only to bite into the equivalent of salty cardboard? At times, my prayer life gets stale and flavorless too. And it’s just as disappointing. I sit down with my journal and write down what comes to mind. But my mind can be a pretty shallow pool from which to draw. My needs and concerns, even my thanks and praise, can get pretty rote. The same things come up over and over again, and left to my own devices, what should be a two-way conversation can get pretty one-sided. Not to mention selfish. That’s why I’ve started praying a lot of Scripture.

“All scripture is inspired by God [literally breathed out by God] and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Since the Bible’s words are the Words of God (by way of the Holy Spirit – 2 Peter 1:21), and this verse tells us that ALL of it is profitable, when I pray Scripture I know I am praying perfectly within God’s will.

Praying Specific Bible Verses

Sometimes I search the Bible for a Scripture on a certain topic or situation. But more often than not, as I study, I just feel drawn to pray specific verses or passages over my family. Lately I’m fascinated with the idea of praying the Beatitudes.

The word beatitude means blessing. There are many places in the Bible, especially in Psalms, where blessings are promised or bestowed. But the only spot where more than two or three blessings are listed together is the recording of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. All of these blessings refer to the future kingdom of heaven. Not to be mistaken with things we would consider blessings in the here and now. God owes us nothing, of course. But because of the work of Jesus, He promises us everything in due time.

Asking for the Beatitudes in Prayer

When reading the Beatitudes, it’s important to understand that Jesus was not referencing a certain group or type of people. These promises are for anyone who allows the presence of God to manifest in his/her life. If God wants to bless those who possess these characteristics, then I want them! My sin nature gets in the way, though. I need His divine help to be merciful and meek and pure in heart. So I’m asking for these things in prayer.

Lord, I’ve spent far too long selfishly praying for You to bless me. Today I ask that You make me into someone You can bless. In my flesh, I am the polar opposite of the person Jesus preached about. But I’m asking You to take possession of my heart and mind so my thoughts and actions look more like You.

“The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:3-4 HCSB

1. In what areas do you rely too much on yourself and not the omnipotence of God?
2. Spend some time confessing your sins and praying against the evil in the world. Do you have specific sins you need to confess today?
3. Ask God to show you relationships that need an extra dose of supernatural meekness, gentleness, and self-control. What relationships are those?
4. In what areas of your life are you struggling with obedience?
5. Is there someone you need to forgive or someone who needs a hand up?
6. Are there movies, TV shows, music, or websites you would steer clear of if you could see Jesus sitting beside you?
7. Where do you see a lack of peace in the world around you?