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Benediction Prayer


a modern 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:-


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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?

Most benediction prayers in the Christian church take place at or near the end of a service. The exception to this is in the Orthodox Church, where benedictions can happen throughout the service and always happen at the beginning and end. The word "benediction" derives from two Latin words - "bene" (meaning "well") and "dicere", which means "to speak". So a Benediction is a spoken request to God for the recipient to receive goodness and wellness.

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.

follow this link for more prayers for closing worship with, including Catholic, Anglican and Methodist prayers.


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)



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An Episcopal Marriage Blessing
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you;
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:-

A blessing by Jude

"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen."

Jude 24-25, (NHEB)


A blessing in the Psalms

"Let your kindness, Lord, shine brightly on us."

Psalms 4:6b, (CEV)


A blessing by the Apostle Paul

"The peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"

Philippians 4:7, (NIV)