Wednesday July 19, 2023

Today is Wednesday, July 19 and we are studying what the Bible says about God’s blessings.

As I begin this time of daily prayer, I pause to be still, slow my breathing and focus my mind on the God of blessing and peace.

Pause and Pray

Blessed and holy Lord, reveal the truth of the blessings you have for me, awaken me to your steadfast love and remind me of your great faithfulness. I put my complete trust in you as I continue traveling on this pilgrim journey. Amen.

I rejoice in the goodness of God and praise him with the ancient words of Psalm 28.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. Psalm 28:7-9

Pause and Pray

The Old Testament book of Numbers is an accounting of the people of Israel who were under the leadership of Moses. A thorough audit is made during the time the Israelites camped at the foot of Mt. Sinai, journeyed to the Dead Sea and prepared to enter the land of Canaan. Throughout the decades of wandering in the desert wilderness the people were constantly reminded of one thing – God cares for them. In Numbers chapter six, God tells Moses how he wants to bless his people. This is an ancient blessing God wants me to receive for myself and my family today.

The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, this is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 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. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27

The act of blessing is deeply rooted in Israelite culture and carefully recorded in the Biblical witness. Today’s blessing from Numbers is a three-fold blessing utilizing six action verbs of God. God is the one who will bless me, keep me, shine his face on me, be gracious to me, turn his face toward me and give me peace. The first part of the blessing promises security. The second part of the blessing promises God’s favor and extension of grace. The third part of the blessing promises God will notice me, give attention to my particular circumstances and grant me peace. God’s peace (or Shalom) is greater than my understanding of peace. It is a state of tranquility that includes good health, security, inner harmony, wellness, prosperity, completeness and long life.

Ask: How have I already enjoyed God’s blessings of security, favor, grace, attention and peace? Where might I need to ask for God’s blessing for myself or a loved one?

Pause and Pray

Holy and blessed Lord, thank you for loving me and wanting to bless me and my family. I ask you to bless and keep me and my loved ones. I pray that you will show me favor, mercy and grace, despite my many shortcomings and missteps. I pray that you will turn toward me and not away from me. Grant me the peace that passes understanding, the state of Shalom that only you can give. I read the words from Numbers again and listen for the message you have for me.

The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, this is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 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. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I reflect on the words of this ancient blessing, I consider how God has already been faithful to me. I take a moment to count my blessings and pause to give God thanks for them. What does God want me to know about his blessing today? Maybe God wants me to trust him more, with confidence in his watchfulness, forgiveness and attentiveness. Perhaps God wants me to offer prayers of intercession on behalf of a loved one who needs to know and experience God’s blessing. I name them before God now and will pray the blessing from Numbers over them throughout the day.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Lord, I invite you into my life and ask for your blessing and peace. Reveal the places of turmoil, the instances of worry, the attitudes of fear, the tendencies to stray, the moments of pride, and the postures of doubt. Cover me with your peace and shower me with your blessings – for me, my children and my children’s children. Amen.

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26

I leave this time of prayer knowing I am blessed by God, I go to bless others in all I say and do.

Amen