Friday, September 4, 2020

Today’s devotion is written by Deacon Karen Katamay.

“The Lord bless you and keep you.” —Numbers 6:24

I have always loved this blessing at the end of the worship service. The full blessing goes like this (verses 24-26): “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.” And I do feel a sense of peace when I hear it and as I go on with the rest of my day.

It is comforting in so many ways. First, it reminds us that the Lord is the source of all blessings and he wants to bless us and be in relationship with us. When he sent his son, Jesus, he brought the ultimate blessing to the world. God is “beaming with delight” when he looks upon his children and loves us, even when we are a mess. And God wants us to feel peace in our lives: Shalom, a peace in which we are reconciled with God and with others, and we are blessed. 

So today, as you pray for people in your life, consider adding these words to your prayer for each person.  ___________, may the Lord bless you and keep you. And may the Lord bless and keep all of you, this day and always!