The Priestly Prayer 1: The Lord Bless You

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.

Numbers 6:24-25

There is a simple prayer in Numbers 6:24-26. God gave Aaron the words of this prayer to be used in blessing the Israelites. Over the next four days, we will break down this prayer and explore the blessings in it. Are you ready?  

The first line of this prayer says “The Lord bless you;” the truth is that we have heard this word so many times that we really haven’t paused to think about what it means. 

As believers, we often have preconceived notions of what it means to be blessed by God. We may expect God’s blessing to manifest in a life of comfort, ease, happiness, or material wealth. However, God’s perspective on blessing transcends our limited understanding.

True blessing from God is higher than happiness, comfort, or wealth. It cannot be quantified or measured by earthly standards, yet its impact on our lives is undeniable. God’s blessing encompasses His divine favor, protection, provision, and guidance, leading us into a deeper relationship with Him and aligning us with His perfect will.

While we may desire temporal blessings that cater to our immediate needs or desires, God’s blessings are eternal and far-reaching. He knows us intimately and understands what we need for our spiritual growth and fulfillment. His blessings may not always align with our expectations or desires, but they are always for our ultimate good and His glory.

As believers, we are called to seek true blessing from God—blessings that flow from His heart of love and grace. This requires surrendering our own agendas and trusting in God’s perfect plan for our lives. It involves seeking His will above our own and aligning ourselves with His purposes, even when it requires sacrifice or discomfort.

May we not settle for fleeting happiness or temporary comforts, instead, may we seek the true blessing that comes from knowing and walking closely with God. Let us open our hearts to receive His blessings, knowing that they are far greater and more enduring than anything this world has to offer.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for your abundant blessings poured out upon me each day. Help me to seek true blessing from you—a blessing that flows from your heart of love and grace. Give me the wisdom to align myself with your will and trust in your perfect plan for my life, in Jesus’ name.