Blessings

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 NIV

In most liturgical churches, we end the service with the leader facing the congregation and saying a blessing. This practice goes back to this blessing God gave to Moses for Aaron and the priests to say as a blessing on Israel. In our Methodist churches, you may remember I used it last Sunday.

The blessing is a reminder to the congregation that the presence of God they have just experienced in the service is going out with them. God is not constrained to the gathering place’s four walls but is carried out in our hearts. He is with us in our communal worship and lives in each of us through the Holy Spirit. We hear in the blessing the assurance that God loves and cares for us. He keeps watch and protection over us, extending his kindness and compassion, and granting us peace. We do not need to worry or be fearful, for God resides in us.

Almighty Father, we give thanks for your neverending love for us. You bless us in so many ways. Please help us to share these blessings with others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

If you were to write a blessing, what would it say?