Lent Chapel 2024

Matthew 5:1-12 NIV

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

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

Do I rely on Jesus and trust Him with everything?

Am I storing up wealth and accolades on earth or am I seeking the treasure of eternity?

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

What recent events have led to feelings of loss or sorrow?

Have I withheld myself from God’s loving presence? Are there things I need to express my emotion and lament before him?

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

Have I maintained a humble disposition before God and others?

What person or group of people do I often look down on or feel superior to?

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

In what ways have I become apathetic, lukewarm, or gone through the motions in my pursuit of  life with God?

Do I hunger more for worldly success or to be like Jesus?

5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

How do I treat the people around me?

How have I perhaps neglected the suffering of others and did not offered to help when I had the means to?

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

Have I acted or presented myself in a way that is misleading or manipulative to others?

How have I been inauthentic with God or others?

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

Have I held grudges, sought revenge,  or caused discord for others?

8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Do I work for God’s righteousness, love, and justice in the world?

Do I care more about what people think or what God thinks?

Take a minute now to speak with God about what stood out.

Are there any habitual patterns you have struggled with? Ask for God’s help in particular for these, as they are often the hardest to let go of.

Prayer of Confession

Loving and merciful God, with all my heart, I am sorry for where I’ve fallen short and sinned against you. When I’ve chosen to do wrong, or failed to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. Today I return to you, repenting from my ways.  I ask for your help to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me away from you.

Jesus, thank you for suffering and dying so that my sins may be washed away. Holy Spirit fill me, burn like a fire in me, that I may live in the “Easy Yoke” of passionately loving you with all of my being. Lord, have mercy. In Jesus name, Amen