In previous blog posts, I mentioned that the word bless can signify a prayer of benediction. One of those is Numbers 6:24-26. I love the way it reads in the New Living Translation.
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.
You’ve possibly heard a pastor say this or another version of it at the end of a worship service. They are speaking a blessing over you for protection, and for the Lord’s mercy, favor, and peace to rest upon you. Receive these words and hold on to them with your whole heart.
One of my pastors often shared this benediction at the close of a service.
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21, NKJV
The writer of Hebrews used this benediction in his closing remarks. Paul, Peter, and John spoke blessings in their farewell greetings to the churches too. These are available for us to pray or speak over others and even for ourselves.
Paul ended his letter in 2 Corinthians 13:14 with this verse from the New International Version.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Christ’s grace, God’s love, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit are ours.
As 2 Thessalonians 3 wraps up, Paul gives this greeting in verse 16 from the New King James Version.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
He’s offering peace and reminding us that the Lord is near.
Here’s my farewell greeting for you today:
May you find peace, joy, and comfort in the Lord. May your walk be blessed with God’s guidance through whatever situations you face today. May you be filled with His wisdom and love.
Photo by Frank McKenna - Unsplash