Morning prayer · 11 March

Poor in spirit

An empty bowl set out under a dripping tap, catching what little falls, suggesting a heart made empty on purpose so it can be filled.

Lord, help me put aside every weight, and the sin that so easily trips us up, and everything in body and spirit that’s turned away from your holy will. Help me be poor in spirit, so I have a share in the kingdom of heaven. Help me mourn, so I’m comforted. Help me be gentle, so I inherit the earth. Help me hunger and thirst for what is right, so I’m filled. Help me be merciful, so I’m shown mercy. Help me be pure in heart, so I see God. Help me make peace, so I’m called a child of God. Help me be ready to be mistreated and insulted for doing right, so my reward is in heaven. Lord, give me all this. Amen.

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

Matthew 5:3 (BSB)

Adapted from Lancelot Andrewes, Private Devotions (tr. J. H. Newman, 1840), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.