As a follow-up to the message at the Contemporary services on July 9, 2023, I’d like to offer some thoughts on “blessing our children”.
And I should point out from the start, it is not only our children who need blessing but all of us. The comments and suggestions below would apply to any person we are called to bless.
But for our purposes here, we should start with the scripture of Jesus’ encounter with the little ones. We read in Matthew 19:13-14, Then children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
It is apparent these little ones were held in high esteem by the Lord. In the Bible, children are seen as a great blessing. Psalm 127:3 says, See, children are a gift from the Lord. The children born to us are our special reward. (NLV)
The Bible in Deuteronomy 6:7 further instructs us to teach the Lord’s commandments to our children throughout our days, whether at home or along the road, when we lie down or when we get up. And faithful people of God must acknowledge each child is created in the Image of God. Gen. 1:27.
So, clearly, children are held in high regard in the eyes of God. And we have been entrusted with their care – whether biologically as parents or grandparents or spiritually as the family of God.
Each of us has a responsibility to hold dearly little ones God has given to the Body of Christ. And one way we do so is through blessing.
We may not consider ourselves prepared to “bless” anyone but if we are to follow the Lord’s example, He most assuredly provides the anointing and authority to bless His children.
We want to make it complex but it’s actually quite simple. It is important that we hold dearly any child we bless and that is within our hearts as much as we hold them in our hands. Placing our hands upon the head or shoulders of a child demonstrates the human imparting of blessing but just as important are the words spoken. We are told in scripture our words are for the building up in order to give grace to them who hear (Eph. 4:29) and speaking blessing over children speaks truth and purpose into their lives.
What is blessing?
It is God’s favor poured into the life of the one being blessed. It is speaking God’s power over the life of the person or child. Blessings are based on God’s Word and His promises. The Hebrew word for blessing is barakah which means a transmittal of God’s favor. Blessings have to do with God’s kingdom, either in small glimpses in the here and now or eternally when God makes all things new. Words of blessing carry the weight and authority of heaven. They protect and guide us and give us hope.
Why spoken blessings?
God, the Creator, spoke everything into existence and He shared the power of the spoken word with us. We too have the ability to affirm identity and speak truth into the lives of others, especially children. 1 John 5:14 tells us if we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us. And when we pray blessing over our children, we are putting God’s name on them.
One blessing God gave to Moses even today remains steadfast and true and we should regularly extend it to others.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Num. 6:24-26
This blessing puts the thumbprint of God on whomever it is spoken.
A blessing is not the same as a prayer. In prayer, we ask God for something but in blessing, we declare God’s truth for someone; we are asserting the truth of God about this child in agreement with God’s Word.
Simple Steps to Speak Blessing over your Children
Choose a scripture
Fit it to the child you are blessing by adding their name
Lay a hand on their head or shoulder to confer the authority of the Word upon them while looking them in the eye
Bless them at any time but especially as the day begins and ends
Pray asking God to direct you to scripture
Ex. Child’s name, May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)
Other scriptures:
Child’s Name, Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved… Acts 16:31
Child’s Name, you are blessed as one who trusts in the Lord, let your confidence be in Him. Jeremiah 17:7-8
Child’s Name, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with your wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
The Word of God is overflowing with truth we can pour over our children. Here’s a short list of scripture references you can adapt to blessing over children (or anyone!)
Philippians 4:6-7
Philippians 4:19
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 16:3
Psalm 91:1-2
Psalm 121:5-6
Psalm 25:21
Ephesians 2:10
Philippians 2:3-4
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Romans 12:2
Ephesians 4:32
Ephesians 6:14
2 Timothy 1:7
Proverbs 3:24
1 John 3:1
2 Corinthians 6:18
Ephesians 5:1
Matthew 2:37, 39
My prayer to God above is we all will take the power of His Word and speak truth into the lives of our children.
For further reading I suggest: The Family Blessing Guidebook by Terry and Melissa Bone.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen
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