ALL SAINTS

(1st Nov 2009)

 

 

“Rejoice and

be glad For

your reward will be great

in heaven”

 

THE 7 STEPS

 

SILENCE

WORSHIP

SCRIPTURE READING

MEDITATION

BY HEART

INTERCESSION

COVENANT PRAYER

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING: MT. 5:1-12

…How happy are the poor in spirit; there is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle: they shall have the earth for their heritage. Happy those who mourn:  they shall be comforted. Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:  they shall be satisfied. Happy the merciful:  they shall have mercy shown them. Happy the pure in heart:  they shall see God. Happy the peacemakers:  they shall be called sons of God Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:  theirs is the kingdom of heaven ...

Questions for Meditation

POOR IN SPIRIT

Do I depend on God for everything in my life?  Am I aware of my poverty before God?  Do I acknowledge that God is king and is at my side?

  

 

 

 



KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
 

GENTLE

Do I react with anger/resentment when faced with criticism and remarks?  Am I living by the example of meekness taught by Jesus himself?  What do I need to do to inherit the land promised by God?

 

 

 

 

THE EARTH

MOURN

Do I feel bad when I offend God or others in my life?  Am I aware that sin is the cause of my unhappiness in life?  Am I willing to share in the sadness of others?

 

 

 

 


COMFORTED

HUNGER AND THIRST FOR WHAT IS RIGHT

Do I desire to always do what is right?  Am I aware of the temptation to justify my words and actions even when I am wrong?  Do I believe that God will one day restore his justice on this world?

SATISFIED

MERCIFUL

Do I recognize that I am a sinner in need of God’s mercy?  Am I aware that I need to forgive as God has forgiven me?  Do I realize that mercy is God’s greatest characteristic?

 

 

 

 

MERCY

 

PURE OF HEART

Do I know that my heart is the center of my desires and emotions?  Am I willing to keep it pure from worldly influences at any cost?  Do I desire to see God?

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEE GOD

 

PEACEMAKERS

Do I live in peace with God and others in my life?  Am I aware of the sacrifices that reconciliation sometimes demand?  Am I proud to be called a son or daughter of God?

 

 

 


SONS OF GOD

 

PERSECUTED FOR THE CAUSE OF RIGHT

Do I believe in suffering for what is right?  Am I afraid of being persecuted for the faith and principles based on the words and examples of Jesus?  Do I speak up when there is injustice?


KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

 

 

By Heart: for Reflection

Joy is the surest sign of God’s presence.  A Christian without joy is a contradiction.  God wants us to be happy not only in this life but also in the life to come, in the kingdom of heaven when we see God face to face:  that is the greatest joy that experience the fullness of God’s joy in the kingdom of heaven.  The 8 Beatitudes tell us how to experience this joy:  poor in spirit, gentle, mourn, hunger and thirst for what is right, merciful, pure of heart, peacemakers, persecuted for the cause of right. 

 

Intercessions:

1.      For the leaders of the Church, that they might be instruments of God’s healing power to the flock entrusted to their care.

2.      For those who govern our country, that their minds and hearts might be opened to the pursuit of justice and peace.

3.      For those who are indifferent to their faith, that they might be filled with the Holy Spirit and be powerful witnesses of the gospel.

4.      For those who are persecuted for their faith, that they might remain steadfast in following Jesus

Covenant Prayer:

  Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life. Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives. Help us not to fall into

into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen