Read: Matthew 5:13-16

Last Sunday, Pastor Ken concluded our study on the beatitudes, examining the spiritual attributes of those who have entered the kingdom of heaven through Christ. This Sunday, Jimmy Gann will preach on Matthew 5:13-16, focusing on a Kingdom ethic—how we should live in light of who Christ is. We will see that the ethic of the Kingdom lived out by heirs of the Kingdom results in a Kingdom witness to the world. As you reflect on what it means to live as an heir and witness of the Kingdom of God, allow this contemplative prayer from The Valley of Vision stir you to become more distinct from the world and likened to Christ.

Heart Preparation

Father of Jesus,

Dawn returns, but without thy light within no outward light can profit; give me the saving lamp of thy Spirit that I may see thee, the God of my salvation, the delight of my soul, rejoicing over me in love. I commend my heart to thy watchful care, for I know its treachery and power; guard its every portal from the wily enemy, give me quick discernment of his deadly arts, help to recognize his bold disguise as an angel of light, and bid him begone.

May my words and works allure others to the highest walks of faith and love! May loiterers be quickened to greater diligence by my example! May worldlings be won to delight in acquaintance with thee! May the timid and irresolute be warned of coming doom by my zeal for Jesus! Cause me to be a mirror of thy grace, to show others the joy of thy service, may my lips be well-tuned cymbals sounding thy praise, let a halo of heavenly-mindedness sparkle around me and a lamp of kindness sunbeam my path.

Teach me the happy art of attending to things temporal with a mind intent on things eternal. Send me forth to have compassion on the ignorant and miserable. Help me to walk as Jesus walked, my only Savior and perfect model, his mind my inward guest, his meekness my covering garb.

Let my happy place be amongst the poor in spirit, my delight the gentle ranks of the meek. Let me always esteem others better than myself, and find in true humility an heirdom of two worlds.

“Christlikeness,” prayer from The Valley of Vision

 Song List for Sunday

1. “May The People Praise You,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty

2. “The Veil Was Torn,” by Crosspoint Music

3. “Take My Life,” arr. by Chris Tomlin

4. “Mighty To Save,” by Hillsong Worship