An Ancient Blessing

This meditation is based on a passage for June 13, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Numbers 6:22-27

Reflection and Question: God directs Moses here to commend to Aaron and his sons, the first priests of the Hebrew people, this blessing which is now so familiar as the benediction at the end of church. My pastor uses it almost every Sunday, connecting us with worshippers far, far back into the mists of time. This is such a personal declaration of God’s gifts to us of Grace and Peace. Like God’s coming in Jesus, there is no qualification, requirement or prerequisite to receive this blessing. God offers it to us freely through the declaration of it. When have you experienced God’s face shining on you?

Prayer: Holy God, we take in this moment in which Your countenance shines upon us. We drink in the peace You give. We dwell in Your gracious keeping. As You are blessing us, may we be a blessing for others. Through Christ, we pray. Amen.