The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
This passage is called the Aaronic Blessing. It is a blessing that God told Aaron the High Priest to speak over the people of Israel. In it is found God’s heart to us. Interestingly, this blessing was given to Moses to teach to Aaron so that he could then use it to bless the people of God. This blessing is meant for us to use for others. In light of our focus on family this week, take a moment to use this blessing to pray for your family.
First, find some time to be still and pray. Ask God to increase your love for your family as you pray. Take each phrase of this ancient blessing and visualize it as you pray. When you pray, “Lord bless _______ and keep ______” visualize the face of the person you are praying for. Maybe visualize what blessing might look like for them. Not necessarily material blessing, but deep soul blessing.
Then pray the next phrase, “Lord, make your face to shine down on ________.” Here visualize God’s face gazing at your family member, what does it look like to for God’s face to shine on them? Perhaps it’s a smile of love and pride.
Then pray the last section, “Lord may you lift your countenance (look with favor) upon _________ and give them peace.” I often visualize God taking a finger and lifting the chin of a person in shame until his loving eyes meet theirs.
By Aaron Bjorklund
