Bless you, is much more than an automatic response when someone sneezes. To bless another person is one of the most important things that we can ever do. When we bless another, we are stating that we see the goodness of God’s presence within them. Blessing encourages the other in very primal way. It addresses the core of one’s essence and proclaims loudly for all to hear, “This dear one is truly a gift of life from God.” With blessing we affirm the unique position and purpose of the object and life that we bless. Blessing deepens self-awareness of our own Belovedness.
If blessing is so life transforming, then I wonder why it is not a popular practice. We may say, I like this or that about you. We may even affirm someone when they do an awesome job at something. Some folks profess love, others almost flippantly throw the words of love around distilling the impact of the essence of the word “love.” While still other people nearly choke on saying the words “I love you.” They choke not because love is absent, but because it feels so intimate. For some, it is almost embarrassing to speak expressions of love.
The Scripture
Scripture for today is very direct. God speaks to the people in Deuteronomy 11:26 providing choice for the Israelites. Which will they choose? Yahweh proclaims,
“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse.”
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+11%3A26&version=NRSV
It is an intentional choice to desire to edify the other beyond our own feelings, desires, whims, or misgivings. How will you choose?
Today’s Prayer Practice
One of the institutions that I teach for is a spiritual direction training program call CenterQuest. (https://www.cqcenterquest.org/ ) This ecumenical and international program uses a from of blessing which is exceptionally impactful. The Trinitarian bless speaks the essence of each role of the Trinity over another person, event, or circumstance. For this practice you may desire to use the traditional names for God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, or something a bit more less tradition may speak most to your heart.
Today you are invited to prayerfully choose at least one person and write a prayer Trinitarian blessing prayer for them. You write the prayer by lavishing the essence and attributes of each role of the Trinity upon the one being blessed.
You may use this formula or modify as your spirit desires.
May the gift of the Father’s creative energy be poured out upon you.
May the forgiveness and stress of resurrection delight in Jesus, fill your days with hope.
May the mystery of God’s Holy Presence sustain your breath for life and guide you daily living.
After you have written your prayer of blessing for someone, you may desire to accept the challenge prayer practice for today. For this challenge, after completing of your Trinitarian blessing prayer, spend time with the person you prayed for and say the blessing over them.
Enjoy praying.
