May God Bless You

MAY GOD BLESS YOU

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry.

May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.

May he send you help from his sanctuary

and strengthen you from Jerusalem.

May he remember all your gifts

and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

May he grant your heart’s desires

and make all your plans succeed.

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory

and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.

May the LORD answer all your prayers.

Blessing others is a spiritual discipline that we rarely practice in our culture. Perhaps it feels too formal, or perhaps we lack the confidence to speak so boldly about what God will do or the promises he has made. Every person we lock eyes with is facing a battle of some kind, and we have an opportunity to encourage and build others up by reminding them of God’s presence, power, and promises. The apostle Paul did this in every letter he wrote (for example, 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). How might our lives be shaped if we were to take up the spiritual practice of blessing the people in our lives who are facing difficulty and have lost confidence in God’s willingness or ability to grant them victory?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that particular word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• Who came to mind when you read today’s psalm? How might you adapt the words of this psalm to be a blessing over that person?
• What would prevent you from speaking a blessing based on Psalm 20 over a friend or family member you know is struggling? In what area do you need God to strengthen your confidence in him?

Lord, I want to be a blessing to those around me. Fill me with your presence and power, and remind me of your long-standing, time-tested promises to rescue and be with those who love you. Let my faith be something others can lean on when they can’t muster the memory of your goodness and faithfulness. Untangle my tongue and grant me confidence and boldness to speak words of life and hope to the battle weary. Amen.