By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future. Hebrews 11:20 NIV
When Pam’s dad was nearing the end of his 9 year battle with cancer, I shared with him the power of speaking blessing over his children and especially his 17 grandchildren. Now that I am also a grandfather, I appreciate the privilege to speak life over the children. He has been in heaven nearly 12 years, but his spoken words, soft chuckle, and twinkling smile are still impacting his family.
The Jewish pattern is simple as illustrated in the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
A Pattern for Speaking Blessing
- Words of hope, peace, life, opportunity are spoken to the recipient. Prayers are necessary, but blessings are spoken aloud to the child, spouse or person you are blessing.
- Sometimes physical touch is included. Isaac brought Jacob near by and touched his arm. Jesus brought the children near him, touched them and blessed them. Physical touch has the ability to communicate closeness and affection. It is not totally necessary for blessing, but it is incredibly meaningful.
- Words of potential, blessing and hope are spoken by faith. Our verse today reveals that only God knows the future, but by faith we can ask for His blessing to guide their future.
- We invoke the Lord’s name in the blessing. There is a difference between wishing someone luck and invoking the Lord’s name in the blessing. Numbers 6:27 reminds us that when we invoke HIs name, then He will bless.
- We bless as God blesses when He sends rain on the just and the unjust. We do not wait until someone “deserves” to be blessed. We speak the goodness of God over them before we think they deserve it. This is also why we can bless our enemies.
- God does the blessing, we do the speaking.
So there you have it! Look in the eyes of your spouse or children today and by faith declare, “May the Lord bless you and keep you, May His favor and grace shine upon you. May He bless the work of all that you put your hands to do. May you sense His loving presence all day long.” Our hearts are drawn to those we bless.
Have a Jesus filled day!
Blessings Love y’all