Father, I have heard this blessing many times throughout my life. I used to hear it sung in Chapel – a beautiful melody and sentiment. But it seemed more like a ritual refrain than words invoking a powerful blessing upon me personally.
Over the last years I have studied the Hebrew verbs at work in this blessing, and now it means so much more to me.
Bless me. Oh Father, may Your blessing be upon me. As when You blessed Your creation: infuse me with unlimited potential and empower me. Remove any and all limitations that would prevent me from achieving the fullness of Your purpose for me and my life.
Keep me. Zealously cherish me and keep watch over me, my comings and goings, protecting and defending me from any physical, mental, emotional, psychological, financial, social or spiritual enemy or harm.
Let Your face shine on me. Let the light of Your radiance be upon me to invigorate and empower me. Let me live in the favor of Your presence and feel You near.
Be gracious unto me. Let me see and recognize those times when You bestow gifts and unmerited favor on me. Even when those gifts do not look like what I might expect.
Lift up Your countenance upon me. O my God, do not turn Your face away from me, but continue to guide me and urge me on, speaking clearly and gently to me.
Let me live in the fullness of Your peace, Shalom: which means and encompasses wholeness, wellness, purposefulness with joy, abundant provision, harmony, tranquility, safety, and security.
Thank You Lord that You in all Your power and mercy, do bless me, keep me, make Your face to shine upon me, are gracious to me, lift Your countenance upon me, and give me Your perfect peace. You are the Prince of Peace. And these powerful Words are indeed a blessing. Amen
Daily Bible Prayer 