Beatitudes

Grant, O Lord, that having put aside every weight and the sins that do so easily beset us; and every motion both of flesh and spirit which is contrary to the will of Your holiness:

We may be meek, that so we may inherit the earth:
May be peacemakers, that so we may be called children of God:
May be merciful, that so we may obtain mercy:
May be poor in spirit, that so we may have part in the kingdom of heaven:
May be pure in heart, that so we may see God:
May hunger and thirst after righteousness, that so we may be filled:
May mourn, that so we may be comforted:
And may be prepared for persecutions and reproaches for righteousness’ sake.
That so our reward may be in heaven. 

-- Launcelot Andrewes (1555-1626), English bishop, theologian, and scholar whose feast day is today, in Evelyn Underhill, Evelyn Underhill's Prayer Book.



Image: Cosimo Roselli, The Sermon on the Mount, fresco in the Sistine Chapel, 1481-1482