Recently, as I prepared for a service focusing on “The Sermon on the Mount” I discovered that my go-to Beatitudes song had been taken out of circulation by the publisher. “Certainly,” I thought, “the world needs a singable version of the Beatitudes!”
My new version, “The Kingdom of Heaven,” is written in a familiar liturgical folk style. (Familiar, that is, if you sing a lot of Marty Haugen, Michael Joncas, and Dan Schutte.) I aimed for simplicity: the verses are nearly verbatim from Matthew 5:3-12 and the chorus is very singable. Of course, there are a few Scheer twists thrown in. Your congregation will learn it in no time.
After listening to the demo above feel free to download the piano accompaniment or a free leadsheet at my website: https://gregscheer.com/product/the-kingdom-of-heaven/.
1. Blessed are the humble of spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the ones who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Let them rejoice in God!
For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
2. Blessed are the gentle of heart,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are the ones who hunger and thirst for God,
they will be satisfied. [CHORUS]
3. Blessed are the ones who show mercy,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see their God.
Let them rejoice in God! [CHORUS]
4. Blessed are the ones who seek peace,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are the ones who suffer for doing good.
Let them rejoice in God! [CHORUS]
5. Blessed are the ones who are cursed–
cursed for the cause of their God.
Rejoice and be glad, you saints, for your reward is great.
Let us rejoice in God! [CHORUS]
