One of the pleasant things of being a priest is being asked to bless people, their homes, businesses and things they hold dear. Although they are different, the giving of a blessing is not limited to a priest or deacon. In times past it was quite common for children to ask for their parents’ blessing. Isaac blessed his sons, as did Jacob and many others.
In the play/movie “Fiddler on the Roof” there is a scene where the main character asks the rabbi if there is a blessing for the czar. The rabbi responds, “There is a blessing for everything.” Truly there is. The “Book of Blessings” has composed blessings for just about everything imaginable from people to animals, from crops to trade tools, from businesses to political gatherings.
While we often pray with others who are ill or having difficulties, we seldom offer our personal blessing. I remember a physician, who did such regularly as he believed it was an integral part of his healing ministry to do as Jesus did and bless others.
I invite each member of the parish to consider the practice of blessing each other in the family. I have included a few ideas below from Scripture and the church’s Book of Blessings.
From the book of Numbers: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
Blessing of children: Father, inexhaustible source of life and author of all good, we bless you and we thank you for brightening our communion of love by your gift of children. Grant that our children (child) will find in the life of this family such inspiration that they (he/she) will always strive for what is right and good and one day, by your grace, reach their (his/her) home in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen (Trace the sign of the cross on the children’s forehead.)
Blessing of parents: Father, inexhaustible source of life and author of all good, we bless you and we thank you for your gift of our (my) parents. Grant that our (my) parents (mother/father) will be the best of parents (mothers/fathers) and find in the life of this family such inspiration that they (he/she) will always strive for what is right and good and one day, by your grace, reach their (his/her) home in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen (Trace the sign of the cross on the parents’ forehead.)
Blessing of Travelers: All-powerful and merciful God, you let the children of Israel on dry land, parting the waters of the sea; you guided the Magi to your son by a star. Help these, our brothers and sisters, and give them a safe journey. Under your protection let them reach their destination and come at last to the eternal haven of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Blessing of Pets: Oh God, you have done all things wisely; in your goodness you have made us in your image and given us care over other living things. Reach out with your right hand and grant that these animals may serve our needs and that your bounty in the resources of this life may move us to seek more confidently the goal of eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Countenance of God 