Benediction Prayer
A benediction is usually given by a minister or church leader just before the close of a meeting, and takes the form of a short prayer which confers the blessing of God on all those present. The following prayer (known as the "Aaronic Blessing") is one of the most popular benedictions:-
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
(The "Priestly Blessing", from Numbers 6:23-27. Read more about this blessing here.)
Closing Prayer
A beautiful way to close a church service or meeting, with an inspiring prayer for the week ahead:-
resources on this page
A wedding benediction prayer
What is benediction prayer or blessings?
Episcopal marriage blessing
Bible verses about benedictions
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23, (ESV)
The Grace Prayer
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us all,
now and evermore.
Amen.
(This closing benediction is popular within Methodism, and is often said by the congregation as a blessing to each other.)
May the road rise up to meet You
A contemporary folk song suitable for use as a sung benediction, based on an ancient Celtic blessing:-
Wedding Benediction Prayer
The following words (which form the basis for the song above) are often used as a benediction at the end of marriage ceremonies:-
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
(an ancient celtic blessing)
What is Benediction Prayer?
• The most popular benediction originates in the Jewish faith and is known as the "Priestly Blessing" (Numbers 6:23-27). This is also known as the "Aaronic Blessing" as it was given to Aaron and his sons to confer on the people of Israel.
Short Benediction Prayer
May the God of peace who raised Christ from the dead
Strengthen your inner being for every good work.
And may the blessing of God Almighty
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Rest upon you and dwell within you
This day and evermore.
Amen.
(a modern benediction prayer suitable for use at the end of a service, from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you,
and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace;
that you may faithfully live together in this life,
and in the age to come have life everlasting.
Amen.
(Source: 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA)
Benedictions in the bible
Here are a few scriptural references to benedictions in the bible. You may find these useful reading at the end of a service or meeting:-