Joyful Moments in Christ

During the month of April, we will explore the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7, and pray through some of Jesus’ most impactful teachings. The first nine days will focus on the Beatitudes, followed by reflections on being salt and light, embodying Christ-like behavior in everyday life, trusting and following God, and building a firm foundation. Before diving into these reflections, take time to read these chapters in their entirety to fully grasp the continuity of Jesus’ message.

ACTS Prayer Method

Each day, consider taking the suggested topic and praying using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:

• Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does this topic inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does this topic inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Table of Contents

1. ACTS Prayer Method
2. Days 1-9: Blessings of the Kingdom
3. Days 10-15: Shining as Salt and Light
4. Days 16-20: Godly Living in Everyday Actions
5. Days 21-25: Trusting and Following God
6. Days 26-30: Building a Firm Foundation

Days 1-9: Blessings of the Kingdom

In the opening section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus introduces the blessings of those who live according to the values of God’s kingdom. Found in Matthew 5:1-12, these verses, often known as the Beatitudes, describe the heart attitudes that lead to spiritual fulfillment and eternal reward. Jesus turns conventional wisdom on its head, showing that the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek are the ones who are truly blessed. These teachings highlight the radical nature of God’s kingdom and set the stage for what it means to follow Christ in a broken world.

April 1: A Heart of Humility

• Bible Verse: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3 (ESV)
• Context: Recognizing our spiritual poverty before God is the first step to entering his kingdom. It is an attitude of humility that relies on his grace.
• Prayer: Lord, help me to humbly depend on you, acknowledging my need for your grace and guidance in every aspect of my life.

April 2: Comfort for the Brokenhearted

• Bible Verse: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4 (ESV)
• Context: Mourning over sin, suffering, and the brokenness of the world reflects a heart aligned with God’s will. Comfort comes from trusting in his redemption.
• Prayer: Father, comfort me in my times of sorrow. Help me grieve the things that grieve your heart and find hope in your promises.

April 3: Living with Gentleness

• Bible Verse: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5 (ESV)
• Context: Meekness reflects Christ-like humility and gentleness, trusting in God’s strength rather than our own. It fosters peace and harmony.
• Prayer: Lord, cultivate a spirit of meekness in me. Teach me to respond with gentleness and grace in every situation.

April 4: A Hunger for Righteousness

• Bible Verse: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” – Matthew 5:6 (ESV)
• Context: Hungering for righteousness means desiring God’s will above all else and actively pursuing his justice and truth.
• Prayer: Father, create in me a hunger for righteousness. Help me seek your will above all else and trust in your faithfulness to satisfy my soul.

April 5: Extending Mercy

• Bible Verse: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” – Matthew 5:7 (ESV)
• Context: Extending mercy to others reflects the mercy we have received from God. It involves forgiveness, compassion, and a heart of kindness.
• Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy. Help me extend the same grace and compassion to others, reflecting your love in my actions.

April 6: A Pure and Devoted Heart

• Bible Verse: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8 (ESV)
• Context: A pure heart is undivided in its devotion to God, aligning our thoughts, motives, and actions with his holiness.
• Prayer: Father, cleanse my heart and make it pure. Help me focus on you with sincerity and live a life that honors your name.

April 7: Bringing Peace

• Bible Verse: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
• Context: Peacemakers reflect God’s character by seeking reconciliation and fostering harmony. They point others to the Prince of Peace.
• Prayer: Lord, use me as an instrument of your peace. Help me build bridges of understanding and love wherever I go.

April 8: Faith in Trials

• Bible Verse: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10 (ESV)
• Context: Following Jesus often comes with trials, but enduring them with faith brings eternal reward and aligns us with his kingdom.
• Prayer: Father, strengthen me to stand firm in my faith, even in the face of opposition. Help me rejoice in the hope of your kingdom.

April 9: Rejoicing in Persecution

• Bible Verse: “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” – Matthew 5:11 (ESV)
• Context: Rejoicing in the face of insults for Christ’s sake reflects a deep trust in God’s reward and his ultimate justice.
• Prayer: Lord, help me to respond with joy and grace when I face opposition for your name. Strengthen my faith in your promises.

Days 10-15: Shining as Salt and Light

In Matthew 5:13-32, Jesus continues to reveal what it means to live as citizens of God’s kingdom. He calls his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, living lives that preserve and illuminate the truth of the gospel message. These teachings challenge believers to stand out by their actions, glorify God through their good works, and reflect the righteousness that exceeds mere outward obedience. Jesus emphasizes the heart behind the law, urging his disciples to pursue deeper purity, reconciliation, and integrity. These passages remind us that our lives, shaped by kingdom values, are meant to point others to the Father.

April 10: Preserving Godly Values

• Bible Verse: “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” – Matthew 5:13 (ESV)
• Context: As Christians, we are called to preserve godly values and add flavor to the world by living out the gospel message.
• Prayer: Lord, help me to be a positive influence in the world. May my life reflect your love and truth, drawing others to you.

April 11: Glorifying God Through Good Works

• Bible Verse: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
• Context: Our good works are not for self-glorification but to direct others to glorify God. See Matthew 5:14-16.
• Prayer: Lord, guide me to live in a way that glorifies you. May my actions reflect your goodness and inspire others to seek you.

April 12: A Heart of True Righteousness

• Bible Verse: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:20 (ESV)
• Context: True righteousness comes not from outward appearances but from a transformed heart devoted to God. See Matthew 5:17-20.
• Prayer: Lord, transform my heart and make it righteous in your sight. Help me live authentically for you.

April 13: Forgiving Others

• Bible Verse: “First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:24 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciling broken relationships as part of true worship. See Matthew 5:21-26.
• Prayer: Lord, help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Restore any broken relationships in my life.

April 14: Guarding Your Heart

Bible Verse: “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28 (ESV)
Context: Jesus calls his followers to a purity of heart that aligns with God’s holiness. See Matthew 5:27-30.
Prayer: Father, purify my thoughts and guard my heart. Help me focus on things that honor you.

April 15: Honoring Marriage

• Bible Verse: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” – Matthew 5:32 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage and calls his followers to honor this covenant. Divorce should not be a light decision! See Matthew 5:31-32.
• Prayer: Lord, strengthen marriages, promote forgiveness, and help me to honor commitments with love, respect, and faithfulness.

Days 16-20: Godly Living in Everyday Actions

Living a life that honors God goes beyond public displays of faith. In this section, from Matthew 5:33-6:14, Jesus teaches us how to incorporate Kingdom values into our everyday actions, from speaking truthfully and responding with grace to loving our enemies and giving without seeking recognition. These teachings focus on cultivating a deep and sincere relationship with God, rooted in humility and sincerity. Jesus calls us to be different, to reflect his character in our everyday choices, and to live in a way that honors the Father’s heart.

April 16: Speaking Truthfully

Bible Verse: “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” – Matthew 5:37 (ESV)
Context: Jesus calls his followers to live with integrity, letting their words reflect truth and reliability. See Matthew 5:33-37.
Prayer: Lord, let my words be trustworthy and honest, reflecting your truth in every conversation.

April 17: Responding with Grace

• Bible Verse: “But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” – Matthew 5:39 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus teaches us to respond to personal offenses with grace and forgiveness rather than retaliation. See Matthew 5:38-42.
• Prayer: Lord, teach me to respond to offenses with love and grace, reflecting your character in my actions.

April 18: Loving Your Enemies

• Bible Verse: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
• Context: True love extends even to those who oppose us, mirroring God’s love for all humanity. See Matthew 5:43-48.
• Prayer: Father, help me to love as you love, even when it is difficult. Give me the strength to pray for and bless my enemies.

April 19: Giving Without Recognition

• Bible Verse: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” – Matthew 6:3 (ESV)
• Context: God calls us to give selflessly, seeking his approval rather than human praise. See Matthew 6:1-4.
• Prayer: Lord, purify my motives when I give. Let my generosity flow from a heart of love for you and others.

April 20: Deepening Your Prayer Life

• Bible Verse: “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” – Matthew 6:6 (ESV)
• Context: Prayer is a personal connection with God, not a performance for others. See Matthew 6:5-15.
• Prayer: Father, draw me closer to you through private prayer. Help me seek you earnestly and trust you fully.

Days 21-25: Trusting and Following God

As Jesus continues his teaching in Matthew 6:15-7:11, he emphasizes the importance of trusting and following God in every aspect of life. Whether it is fasting, worrying about material needs, or judging others, the kingdom of God calls us to rely on God’s provision and direction. Jesus encourages us to pray with sincerity and to seek God’s will, knowing that he is a good Father who delights in giving good gifts to his children. Through this trust, we are empowered to follow his commands and rest in his provision.

April 21: Fasting with Sincerity

• Bible Verse: “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:17-18 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus reminds us that spiritual disciplines like fasting are personal acts of devotion, not performances for human approval. When we fast sincerely, seeking God’s presence, he honors our commitment and draws us closer to him. See Matthew 6:16-18.
• Prayer: Lord, help me approach fasting with humility and sincerity. Let my focus be on growing closer to you rather than seeking the recognition of others.

April 22: Treasuring Eternal Rewards

• Bible Verse: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus urges us to focus on eternal values rather than temporary possessions. Treasures in heaven are cultivated through acts of love, faithfulness, and devotion to God. These treasures are imperishable, in contrast to earthly wealth that fades away. See Matthew 6:19-24.
• Prayer: Father, help me to focus on storing treasures in heaven. Teach me to value what is eternal and invest my life in your kingdom rather than being consumed by worldly pursuits.

April 23: Freedom from Worry

• Bible Verse: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” – Matthew 6:25 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus calls us to trust in God’s provision rather than being consumed by worry. Life is more than material needs, and our Heavenly Father, who knows our needs, is faithful to provide. See Matthew 6:25-34.
• Prayer: Father, teach me to trust in your care and provision. Free me from the burden of worry, and help me rest in the knowledge that you hold my life in your hands.

April 24: Judging with Grace

• Bible Verse: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:1-2 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus warns against self-righteous judgment, calling us to examine our own hearts first. Only then will we be able to address others’ faults. See Matthew 7:1-6.
• Prayer: Father, help me extend grace and understanding to others. Teach me to judge rightly, with humility and love.

April 25: Trusting God’s Provision

• Bible Verse: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened” – Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)
• Context: God invites us to approach him confidently, trusting in his goodness to answer our prayers. See Matthew 7:7-11.
• Prayer: Lord, thank you for inviting me to ask, seek, and knock. Help me trust your answers and timing.

Days 26-30: Building a Firm Foundation

The final section of our journey through Matthew 7:12-29 highlights the importance of building a life grounded on God’s truth. Jesus teaches about the Golden Rule, warns about false prophets, and challenges us to live in true obedience to his will. The heart of these teachings is that the foundation of our lives must be built on Christ’s words—acting on his teachings is what makes us wise and keeps us firm when life’s storms come. Jesus invites us to hear and obey his words, shaping our lives around his truth, so that we stand secure in his kingdom.

April 26: Living the Golden Rule

• Bible Verse: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” – Matthew 7:12 (ESV)
• Context: Treating others with kindness and respect reflects God’s love and fulfills his law. See Matthew 7:12-13.
• Prayer: Lord, guide me to treat others with love, fairness, and understanding, reflecting your heart in my actions.

April 27: Recognizing False Prophets

• Bible Verse: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” – Matthew 7:15–16 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus warns his disciples to discern true teachers of God’s word from false ones, judging by the fruits of their lives and teachings. See Matthew 7:15-20.
• Prayer: Father, grant me discernment to recognize truth and avoid deception. Help me to follow leaders who reflect your character and bear good fruit.

April 28: True Obedience to God

• Bible Verse: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21 (ESV)
• Context: True discipleship involves both believing in Christ and living according to God’s will. See Matthew 7:21-23.
• Prayer: Father, help me to live in obedience to your will, not merely in words but through my actions and heart.

April 29: Building a Firm Foundation

• Bible Verse: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus emphasizes the importance of not just hearing his words but acting on them. A life built on his teachings will stand firm through life’s storms. See Matthew 7:24-27.
• Prayer: Lord, help me build my life on the solid foundation of your word. Strengthen me to stand firm in all circumstances.

April 30: Standing on God’s Truth

• Bible Verse: “And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” – Matthew 7:26 (ESV)
• Context: Jesus contrasts the wise man who builds on the rock with the foolish man who builds on sand, emphasizing the importance of living according to God’s word. See Matthew 7:24-27.
• Prayer: Father, keep me from building my life on things that are temporary and unstable. Help me remain steadfast in your truth.

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.