30th.October. 2021. Daily Devotion.

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Here in the first beatitude, Jesus turns our definition of success upside down. He says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” using an image of poverty and feeling worn down to describe what it means to be right with God.

Jesus wants us to understand that no matter what our job title is, or how much money we have in the bank, we are spiritually destitute. We are sinners, each one of us, alienated from our Creator and unable to live faithfully for him. Only when we face the truth of our spiritual condition are we rightly called blessed. And only by letting go of what we can do in our own strength can we receive what God has done for us.

Jesus wants us to understand that a disciple is not someone who must have all the answers or achieve great things. A disciple is honest about being sinful, comes to God empty handed, and trusts that our gracious Father will provide everything needed for real, full life.

Father, help me to understand my poverty of spirit, and to see my need for a relationship with you. Thank you for having mercy on me and help me to trust in you for all my needs. Amen.

A Prayer for the Season

Blessed are you, God of all creation,
and blessed is the communion
into which you gather us.

You have made us one with the earth and its creatures,
and destined us to share with you
in tending the flourishing of all life.

Send your Holy Spirit
to call us by name and lead us home.

Though you are above and beyond every created thing,
you make yourself present and known to us
in rock and river, in forest and desert, in ocean and air.

Send your Holy Spirit
to call us by name and lead us home.

As the days grow shorter and the cold winds blow,
you call us to look beyond the days of darkness,
and to allow the mysterious breeze of your Spirit
to carry us on into the ways of compassion and care.

Send your Holy Spirit
to call us by name and lead us home.

For Those Making All Kinds of Journeys

I pray for all who will be making journeys today: For those who are going to a new job and for those who are going to work for the last time today; For the emergency services who will travel at high speed on land, water or in the air, to bring help to others; For those starting a new life as they move into a new home; For those travelling to or from prison; For people who will go into hospital today; For young people on their way to school, college and university; For those who are lost on the journey of life; For those who will die today and make their final journey. I remember all these people now, and ask your blessing upon them, Lord. Amen.