Day 16: The Lord Bless You and Keep You
Bible passage: Numbers 6:22–27
A Blessing Written by God
Today is Sunday 16th of January 2022. Welcome to Day 16 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Yesterday we thought about the words we speak. Today we hear the words God wants spoken over us.
In Numbers 6 the Lord tells Moses exactly how Aaron and his sons are to bless the people of Israel. This was not the priests’ idea. God gave them the script.
What the Blessing Says
Three Lines, Six Gifts
The blessing begins, “May the Lord bless you and protect you.” Numbers 6:24 (NLT) It goes on to ask that the Lord would smile on His people and be gracious to them, and that He would show them His favour and give them His peace.
He blesses. He gives good things because He is good.
He protects. He watches over us and keeps us.
He smiles on us. His face is turned towards us with delight, not disappointment.
He is gracious. He gives what we have not earned.
He shows His favour. He gives us His full attention.
He gives peace. The final word of the blessing is shalom. Everything else leads up to it.
Wearing His Name
God ends with a promise. When the priests speak this blessing, they place His name on His people, and He Himself will bless them (Numbers 6:27). To be blessed is to be marked as belonging to Him.
Receiving and Giving the Blessing
God Wants to Bless You
Some of us find this hard to believe. We imagine God frowning, arms folded, waiting for us to do better. But when Moses asked to see God’s glory, the Lord revealed Himself as compassionate and gracious (Exodus 33:18–19; 34:6). Psalm 111:4 says the same: our Lord is gracious and merciful. His heart is turned towards you.
Notice too that the blessing was spoken aloud. God wanted His people to hear it with their own ears, again and again. Many of us have heard more criticism than blessing in our lives. Let God’s voice be the loudest one you hear today.
Three Ways to Respond
Receive it. Read Numbers 6:24–26 aloud and put your own name in it. Let it sink in that this is what God wants for you.
Speak it. As a royal priesthood we now have the joy of blessing others. Pray these words over your children, your spouse, a friend or someone at church today.
Shine. Isaiah tells God’s people to arise and shine, because their light has come and the glory of the Lord is rising on them (Isaiah 60:1–2). Blessed people carry light into dark places.
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You that You delight to bless Your children. I receive Your blessing today: Your protection, Your smile, Your grace, Your favour and Your peace. Thank You that Your name is on my life. Make me a blessing to everyone I meet, and let Your face shine on our church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
Let us pray with you: send a prayer request.
Join one of our prayer meetings.
