Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Will Be Filled
Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Exegesis
In this verse, Jesus presents one of the most beautiful and spiritual paradoxes in the Beatitudes: those who feel their lack—who hunger and thirst for righteousness—are the ones God declares blessed. The Greek word “filled” (chortazō) means to be completely satisfied, like a hungry soul fed to fullness.
But how does God fill this hunger?
• He fills us with His presence (Psalm 16:11)
• He fills us with His Word (Jeremiah 15:16)
• He fills us with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
• He fills us with His peace, joy, and truth (Romans 15:13)
• He fills us with righteousness through Christ (Romans 5:17)
This is not a one-time filling but a daily invitation to come and be renewed. As we draw near in prayer, worship, and obedience, He satisfies our deepest longings and realigns our desires with His will.
John 6:35
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Context
In a distracted and pleasure-seeking world, many people are spiritually starving without even realizing it. We often attempt to fill our emptiness with food, entertainment, relationships, achievements, or material things. But only God—who created the soul—can truly satisfy it.
Jesus isn’t calling us to temporary feelings or shallow religion. He is calling us to a deep, ongoing craving for righteousness—for right standing with God and right living before others. That hunger is honored, and God promises to fill it completely.
📖 Isaiah 58:11
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land…”
Prayer
1. Repentance
Lord, I repent for the times I have tried to satisfy my spiritual hunger with things that do not last. Forgive me for neglecting prayer, avoiding Your Word, and chasing empty pleasures. Renew my hunger for You. Restore my focus and my discipline to seek what is eternal.
Isaiah 55:2
2. Thanksgiving
Father, thank You for being the only One who can truly satisfy my soul. Thank You for giving me access to Your presence, Your Word, and the gift of righteousness through Christ. I praise You for the hunger You’ve placed in my heart, and for the promise that You will fill it.
📖 Psalm 107:9
“He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?”
Prayer Requests
a) For the Church & Ministry
God, stir a holy hunger in Your Church. Fill pastors, leaders, and believers with a thirst for truth, holiness, and justice. Let ministries hunger for You more than popularity or applause. May churches become tables where souls are fed daily through worship, the Word, and the Spirit.
2 Timothy 4:3–4
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine… Lord, keep us hungry for truth.”
b) For Businesses & the Jobless
Lord, bless business owners with integrity and generosity, and let their hunger be not for profit alone, but for purpose. For those without work, provide employment and restore their sense of worth. Let them hunger for righteousness in every decision and find fulfillment beyond money.
Proverbs 11:28
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
c) For the Sick (Physical, Mental, Spiritual)
Jehovah Rapha, for all who hunger for healing—fill them with Your peace, presence, and power. Let Your Word be health to their bodies, light to their minds, and strength to their spirits. May the spiritually dry be filled with the living water of Your Spirit.
Proverbs 4:20–22
“They are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
d) For the Community & the Country
Lord, awaken a hunger for justice, mercy, and integrity across our communities and nation. Raise up leaders who thirst for righteousness, and fill our land with peace and order. Let every hungry heart be drawn to You, the true source of life and leadership.
Amos 5:24
“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
e) For Marriages
God, fill every home with righteousness. Let couples hunger not for control, but for understanding and love. Heal broken communication, restore trust, and satisfy each spouse with Your joy. May their union reflect the beauty of Christ and His Church.
Philippians 1:11
“Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…”
Declaration of Faith
I declare that I hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God.
I will not be satisfied with temporary things.
God fills me daily with His Word, His Spirit, and His presence.
I am nourished by truth, guided by faith, and filled with peace.
I am blessed, I am growing, and I will never hunger in vain.
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
