A Prayer about True Blessedness
Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them. (Rom. 4:7–8 NIV)
Loving Father, I’m thinking about the word blessings today and how this perfectly good word seems to have been taken hostage. There are all kinds of books, DVDs, blogs, broadcasts, podcasts, tweets, and chirps calculated to help me know how to get more “blessings” from you—telling me how to live a life that you reward, decorate, and “bless” or giving me formulas for gaining more of your favor and getting more “favors” from you.
Though I feel the cynic in me rising, I confess that I’m just as selfish as anyone, and just as committed to a life of personal peace and affluence. Have mercy on me, dear Lord; have mercy on me.
Like all words, categories, and concepts, true “blessedness” is defined only by you, heavenly Father. You alone have the right to define blessing, and you’ve done so. In the words of a broken king, David (Ps. 32:1–2), and a humbled Pharisee, Paul (Rom. 4:7–8), you’ve made abundantly clear what a “blessed life” is all about.
I am a most blessed man, for you have completely forgiven all my transgressions, once and for all. You have thoroughly covered my sins by the blood of Jesus. You will never count my sin against me because you counted my sin against Jesus and you now count me righteous in him!
Abba, Father, whether I live in a penthouse or an outhouse, drive a BMW or pedal a bicycle, feast on caviar or munch on a crust of bread, have a retirement fund or live from paycheck to paycheck, wear updated fashion or hand-me- downs— am a blessed man, a truly blessed man. There is no greater state of blessedness than simply to be in Christ. And in those moments of insanity when I’m tempted to think otherwise, bring me back to gospel sanity. I pray in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.
Amen.