1. Verse 3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."

Lord, help me to be humble.

2. Verse 4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Lord, help me to know my sin and to grieve it.

3. Verse 5: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."

Lord, help me to surrender my will to the Holy Spirit.

4. Verse 6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Lord, help me to always seek you and overcome my temptations.

5. Verse 7: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy."

Lord, help me to forgive my friends and foes.

6. Verse 8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Lord, help me to see my every sinful thought and attitude so I may get rid of it.

7. Verse 9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God."

Lord, help me to sew seeds of peace and not strife.

8. Verse 10: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

Lord, help me to always stand firm in your name even when

others ridicule and reject me for my faith.

Jesus began his sermon with words that seemed like they contradicted each other. But God’s way of living seems to be the opposite of the worlds view. As Christians we must be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate, to help when others won’t.

The Beatitudes are a code of ethics for his disciples and a his guide for living for all believers in Christ. The Beatitudes are not multiple choice, they are to be taken as a whole.

Each beatitude starts with blessed. "Blessed" means more than happiness, it means being part of God’s kingdom. The deepest form of happiness is hope and joy. The only way to find hope and joy is to follow Jesus.