Devotions
Rev Gav
Blessing
Numbers 6.22–end
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them,
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.
So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.
Reflect
What a beautiful Bible passage to start 2026!
The role of a priest was to represent God and this prayer of blessing was given by God (via Moses) to Aaron and his sons who were priests of the tribe of Levi.
Although not explicitly stated, it is understood that this blessing was pronounced daily, as the Israelite community journeyed from Mt. Sinai to the Promised Land, and it continued to be prayed as part of Jewish temple and synagogue worship. Because Christianity was birthed out of Judaism, us Christians also use the benediction as part of our worship.
The Aaronic Benediction (its posh title) came to be simply known as ‘the blessing’, and it is often used at key moments in people’s lives such as weddings, funerals, and dedications. It is prayer of protection, peace, and favour based on God’s promise of peace and grace to God’s people. The words were put into song and it was used all over the world during the 2020 pandemic.
Today is the start of a new year, and a significant day for you in your life journey. As you reflect on your past year and your hopes and dreams for the coming year, allow God’s words of blessing to be spoken over you.
Photo by Ruan Richard Rodrigues on Unsplash
Music recorded and produced by Rev Gav
Pray
Today, let me pray over you.
Dear Friends
May God bless you,
and protect you.
May God's smile
radiate over you.
May God be
gracious to you,
show you favour,
and give you peace
in your hearts.
This day and forever.
and then