The Benediction
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee.
The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
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What is the Benediction? It is the final blessing of the people, commanded by God (Numbers 6:22-26), and always regarded by the Church as one of the most solemn parts of the Service. Says an ancient writer: “When the Benediction is pronounced, you should incline both head and body, for the blessing which is given you is the dew and rain of heaven.”
What is the nature of the Benediction? It is not a mere pious wish, but is the actual impartation of a blessing from God to the believing congregation, as we are assured in Numbers 6:27, “They [the priests] shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” Because of the singular pronoun “thee,” it is highly appropriate as the conclusion of the Communion, in which through the Sacrament, the Lord has bestowed His grace upon each believer.
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*an excerpt from An Explanation of the Common Service, pages 66-67. (on sale through August 31)
*picture above from our Benediction notecard