READING:
One-year plan: Numbers 6-7
Two-year plan: Job 8, Acts 19:21-41
———
The blessing of Numbers 6 is one of the most famous blessings of the Old Testament. I heard it first as a young believer when a deacon prayed its words at the end of a service (though I had no idea at the time he was praying the scriptures). Since then, I’ve read it or heard it spoken many times.
Aaron and his sons were to bless all the Israelites with these words: “May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on youand give you peace” (Num 6:25-26). The prayer is quite simple:
- “May God bless you”— likely with harvest, family, and His presence.
- “May God protect you and keep you in His hand”—guarding you from your enemies.
- “May the Lord smile upon you”— a sign of His favor and delight.
- “May He be gracious to You”— extending love and mercy even when you don’t deserve it.
- “May the Lord take note of you with favor, and may He grant you the peace of His presence and good welfare.”
The prayer is simple, yet profound. Worth memorizing and reciting, in fact.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What prayer of blessing might you pray regularly?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, smile on us, please.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Numbers 8-11
Two-year plan: Job 9-10, Acts 20:1-6
MEMORIZATION VERSE (Feb 1-15):
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
*first published in 2021