Adapted from Psalm 16:5-7a

The Lord is our chosen portion and our cup; you hold our lot. The lines have fallen for us in pleasant places; indeed, we have a beautiful inheritance. We will bless the Lord who gives us counsel.

Adapted by Scott Bullock for liturgical use (ESV, pronouns changed for corporate prayer)

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Adapted from Psalm 34:1-4, 8 (ESV)

Pastor: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

All: My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

Pastor: Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!

All: I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Pastor: Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!

All: Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!  

Submitted by Dustin Ray (ESV, adapted for liturgical use)

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Adapted from Psalm 84:1, 10-12 (ESV)

Pastor: How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!

All: For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Pastor: For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

All: O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Submitted by Dustin Ray (ESV, adapted for liturgical use)

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Psalm 112:1-3

Hallelujah!

Servants of God, praise,
praise the name of the Lord.
Bless the Lord’s name now and always.
Praise the Lord’s name here and in every place
from east to west.

Psalm 113:1-3 (Catholic chapter numbering) in Work of God: Benedictine Prayer, ed. Judith Sutera, Liturgical Press, 1997.

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Adapted from Luke 1:46-49

Leader: My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 

All: He has looked at the humble state of his servant.

Leader: from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

All: For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.

Submitted by Dustin Ray (WEB, adapted for liturgical use)

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Responsive Prayer of the Beatitudes

Pastor: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

All: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Pastor: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

All: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Pastor: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

All: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Pastor: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons* of God.

All: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Pastor: Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

* Add “and daughters” for more inclusive prayer.

Submitted by Dustin Ray (Matthew 5:3-12, ESV, adapted for liturgical use)

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From Psalm 67:1-4 (NLT)

Leader: May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us.

People: May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.

Leader: May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you.

People: Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world.

(NLT, adapted for liturgical use)

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