A friend shared a touching story in Bible study. His adult son and daughter-in-law began a tradition with their firstborn. They hung over the child’s bed a framed representation of the Aaronic blessing from the Bible: “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.”
Each night, as they tucked their child into bed, they blessed him with those words. Now, when his grandmother or grandfather (my friend) visit and tuck him in, he asks, “Will you bless me?”
Blessings, many of which can be found in the Bible, are a great way to pray for those we love, both when they can hear us and when they can’t. In fact, biblical blessings can focus and enhance your prayers even when you don’t know what else to pray for someone.
Here are some Bible blessings I like to pray for those I love, and the part of Scripture they’re drawn from.
10 Bible Blessings:
- “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He smile on you and be gracious to you; may He look your way and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26, author’s paraphrase)
- “May God give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalm 20:4, NIV)
- “May God be gracious to you and bless you and make His face shine upon you.” (Psalm 67:1, NIV)
- “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it, and may you be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:16, NLT)
- “May Christ make His home in your heart through faith.” (Ephesians 3:17b, GNT)
- “May your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11, NIV)
- “May you be strengthened with all power, according to God’s glorious might.” (Colossians 1:11a, NLT)
- “May you be filled with joy.” (Colossians 1:11b, NLT)
- “May the Master pour on the love so it fills your life and splashes over on everyone around you.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12, The Message)
- “May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV)
Why not start today? Pray one or more of the above for a loved one. Memorize one or two so you can speak a Bible blessing anytime, for anyone.
