Blessed: Part 6 - 'The Pure in Heart'

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
Here are some questions to consider:

Readings:

Matthew chapter 5 verses 1 - 8

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Ezekiel chapter 36 verse 26 

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.


Prayer and Reflection:

Loving God, thank you for your grace, your mercy, your tenderheartedness towards us. Take out our stony, stubborn hearts and give us tender responsive hearts, that we might reflect your nature to the world around us. Forgive us when we have failed in this and may we know deep within us how much you love us. When others who have hurt or wronged us come to ask forgiveness, help us to give the answer “There is nothing to forgive”. Lord, we pray that you would empower us by your Holy Spirit to represent you will; that people might see you, O God, at work in this, your church. Amen.



Questions to Consider

1. Can you think of anyone who you might consider to be pure in heart?
2. Have you ever been in need of forgiveness? What was it like to either receive forgiveness or to not be forgiven?
3. What is the hardest example for you personally of someone needing your forgiveness?
4. What do you think it means to ‘see God’?
5. Do you get glimpses of God – and if so, where?
6. Do you see God at work in and through the church?
7. What do you consider to be the marks of our church, EBC?