I was recently reading in 2 Samuel 6, when this verse struck me, "Then David came back to give a blessing to his family" (2 Sam. 6:20a).If you remember, it was right after they had gone and retrieved the ark of God, and had just finished an incredible time of worship.
I find it interesting that David's priority after such an intense spiritual experience was to go and bless his family.
One of my former pastors, Rex Holt, would pray a "Father's Blessing" over his kids each night at bedtime. It was straight scripture, and I believe had a powerful impact on them growing up.
Do any of you practice a "Father's Blessing", and if so, how exactly do you go about it? I am intrigued by this concept, and would love to hear from you.
9 comments:
I don't call it that but I do pray over both my kids nightly. Usually I will take one to bed and Michelle the other. So, the one I take to bed I pray for and then I come down and prayer for the other one. Besides praying for them on a regular basis at other times, private prayer time and when Michelle and I pray together before bed.
I also believe in a mother's blessing. I have to relate the story. I was talking to my mom sometime during college and the subject of alcohol came up and I told her that I had tried it but no matter what I tried I hated the taste of it. She looked at me and said, "You know why don't you?" I said, "No." She said, "Because all your life I prayed if you ever tried alcohol that God would give you a bad taste in your mouth." So, there is a mother's blessing and cursing at the same time...I am glad she did it.
Chris,
That's really cool that you take the time to pray for your kids. I love your story, too!!! :) Yay Mrs. Walls!!!
I found an interesting article about this in Christianity Today.
www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/001/26.48.html
Kiki,
Each night before getting them into bed, Robbie puts his hand on the kids' heads and recites the blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 ("The Lord bless you and keep you..."). I think Brother Rex got it from an author that Robbie's mom brought in once who had a book called "The Family Blessing" or something like that. Anyway, it has been a part of the kids' lives since before their birth and if he is away on business overnight, we get on speakerphone and he "blesses them" over the phone. The kids never let it be neglected. He even says it over me at night before we go to sleep.
Your post hit a special note with me because the blessing of the father over his children (and wife) has been a powerful thing in our family for so many years.
Love to you all! We pray for you regularly.
I am father of a fifteen y/o d. and I have done this twice. I followed a format provided by my pasture. I called her to me, I sat her on my lap, I stroked her hair then took her hand in hand before I spoke. Then I said " I am your father and this is my blessing that I am giving to you." I proceeded to tell that she is given stregth of character, to face the world and its' influence with dignaty, integrity and honesty. That she is given compassion....
I was told that this is a hebrew tradition and it is important to call, to touch, to speak.
I tell my girls occasionally (depending on how big the eye rolls is and the "Daddy, you've already told me that...." comments) something to the effect of:
"I love you, and I will always love you. No matter what you do, or what anyone else does to you, I will always love you. Because God let me be your Daddy, I love you. And I'm glad you are my daugter."
It is such an inspiration to read what all of you have posted. I am so glad to be in touch with a group like this, where significant parts of our lives are acknowledged, and given attention to , as it relates to our belief and trust in the Living God, and our committment to Him.
Thank you to each one who has shared your hearts with all who will join in. I will write more one day soon.
Please pray for me as I relate to those close around me, in my own neighborhood.
I have given a "father's blessing" to men in our congregational fellowship whose natural fathers had never given such, or where fathers and sons were estranged. What a difference it makes in a man's life to be told he is loved, appreciated, honored, has infinite worth, and is himself a blessing.
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