June 29, 2021
Scripture: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 ESV
Observation: I prayed this blessing over each of our adult children and their spouses during their wedding ceremonies, and I pray this blessing over family and friends every Sunday morning. It is a beautiful benediction that invokes the blessings of our Lord on those we love: for the light of his glory to impart his grace on us; for his countenance (as awareness of his presence) to arrest our fears and anxieties with his shalom peace—that despite chaos and heartbreak, we sense that it is well with our souls.
Takeaway: The context of this blessing stems from the Lord commanding Aaron to declare it over Israel (verse 23) to mark his name on them (verse 27). When we pray this blessing over others, we are covering them with the name of the Lord—again, beautiful imagery! Perhaps this is a blessing worth remembering and sharing with others?
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for all the ways you bless and keep us. Remind us to pray and pronounce your blessings on our loved ones and those you bring across our paths. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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