Tag Archives: blessing

A Place of Blessing

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Afraid of an approaching army, Jehoshaphat prayed, “We are powerless . . . we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

The Lord responded through the prophet Zechariah, “Do not be afraid. The battle is not yours but God’s. Stand firm, hold your position and see the salvation of God” (from 2 Chronicles 20:15-17).

Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead his army singing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21). They defeated the enemy and called the place the Valley of Beracah.

Prayer and praise turned a battleground into a place of blessing.

The Power of a Praying Wife

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A prayer in Stormie Omartian’s book, The Power of a Praying Wife, begins like this: Lord, I pray that You would bless the work of my husband’s hands.*

Read about her husband’s accomplishments at http://michaelomartian.com/Biography.html

God blesses when we pray.

*Stormie Omartian, The Power of a Praying Wife, p. 53.

Claim Justice

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Intercession is often associated with agonizing entreaty or tearful supplication. It is sometimes conceived as an endeavor to overcome the reluctance of God. But God does not have to be coaxed into granting a divine blessing.

With Christ as our advocate, we approach God to claim the justice we are entitled to because of His sacrifice.*

God is faithful and just and will forgive us (1 John 1:9).

*adapted from J. Oswald Sanders, The Incomparable Christ, p. 346.

Praying Blessing on Others

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Jesus took children in His arms and blessed them. He blessed His disciples as He ascended into heaven. God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing (Mark 10:16; Luke 24:50-51; Ephesians 1:3). Consider these blessings from Moses, the psalmist, and others:

The Lord told Moses, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
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.
 . . . and I will bless them” (from Numbers 6:22-26).

Moses also prayed these blessings (from Deuteronomy 33:7-25). You can too.

Hear his cries,
defend his cause.
Bless all his skills.
Be pleased with his work.
Let him rest, secure in you.
Shield him all day long.
Let him feast on abundance.
Bless him with the favor of the Lord
And the favor of men.
May his strength be equal to his days.

A blessing can be specific — bless Paul with a job; he needs one. It can be about matters of the heart— bless Dan with a longing to know you. Or you can use Scripture:

The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord (Psalm 129:8).

May the Lord bless you all the days of your life . . . may you live to see your children’s children (Psalm 128:5-60).

Lord, search for the lost and bring back the strays, bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. Shepherd the flock with justice. Make a covenant of peace with them so they live and sleep in safety. Bless them. Send down showers in season; send down showers of blessing. Then they will know you are the Lord (from Ezekiel 34:16-27).

May the Almighty bless you with blessings of the heavens above (from Genesis 49:25).

Because of who God is, because of what He has done, because of what He will do, we:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103:1-2).

Click HERE to download the prayer guide: Praying Blessing on Others.