In his book, The Ladder of the Beatitudes, Jim Forest makes a terrific recommendation: use The Beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12) as a set of questions for self-reflection.

Think about the possibilities for using a few of them to prepare for prayer or worship or the start/end of the day. This kind of reflection provides a framework for discovering our blind spots or next steps in more fully following Christ.

So, here are the questions which came to mind for me.
What questions do The Beatitudes stir in you? – Lisa <><

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

• How am trying to save myself?
• How am I completely depending on God’s love, mercy, and grace?

Blessed are those who Mourn

• How am I mourning my destructive thoughts and actions, my sin, my brokenness?
• How am I heartbroken over the brokenness of my community and world? Am I becoming immune to the constant bad news?
• How am I continuing to beat myself up over my past sins, attitudes, and mistakes?
• What do I need to confess right now? In my confession, I am freed from the burden of my guilt and shame. I am comforted by the mercy of Christ.

Blessed are the Meek

• Do I think too lowly or highly of my gifts, talents, and strengths?
• How am I placing my gifts, talents, and strengths fully under the authority and discipline of God that they may be used by God for a greater good?

Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

• What am I doing to build right relationships with God, others, myself, and the rest of creation?
• What am I doing to build right relationship between others? In systems broken by injustice?
• Are other appetites taking first place in my life?

Blessed are the Merciful

• Have I forgiven those who have done me harm?
• Do I need to ask anyone for forgiveness? If so, set the appointment now.
• Have I rejected revenge and bitterness fully?

Blessed are the Pure in Heart

• Who or what rules my motivation and desire? God? Others? An addiction? Myself?
• How am I cooperating with the Holy Spirit in the development of an undivided heart?

Blessed are the Peacemakers

• How am I building bridges and breaking down dividing walls in Jesus’ Name?
• How can I more fully abandon violence, prejudice, injustice, and hate?

Blessed are the Persecuted

• How am I loving my enemies and praying for them?
• Am I living and practicing my faith in gracious ways everywhere I go or am I hiding it as a way of protecting myself?

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Click here for a meaningful and deep sermon on the Beatitudes by Nadia Bolz Webber entitled Some Modern Beatitudes.

Click here for an interesting perspective on the Beatitudes by Richard Rohr entitled How to Win by Losing. Rohr encourages us to read the Beatitudes from the perspective of how they describe Jesus as the suffering servant.

Click here for a post by Steve Garnaas Holmes entitled More Beatitudes. He used Jesus’ Beatitudes as a starting point for writing a few more reflecting modern issues. Consider trying this exercise as well.

Beatitudes Reflection Questions © 2019 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia. You are welcome to use this work in worship or group setting with proper attribution. Leave a comment for information and permission to publish this work in any form.