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May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face shine on us—

so that your ways may be known on earth,

your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, God;

may all the peoples praise you.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you rule the peoples with equity

and guide the nations of the earth.

May the peoples praise you, God;

may all the peoples praise you.

The land yields its harvest;

God, our God, blesses us.

May God bless us still,

so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

 

Six questions to ponder when looking at the seven verses of Psalm 67.

What changes when we see a blessing as something to pass along rather than something to keep?

How do words shift from polite well-wishes into powerful words that build up others?

Are blessings material or immaterial?

In what ways does blessing our immediate circle directly fuel a global mission to reach the ends of the earth?

Do you have to be older or in a position of authority to bless someone, or can anyone do it at any age?

When we explicitly tell someone we support their choices or relationships, what is the actual gift we are giving them?

Prayer:

Seven petitions for blessing:

Change my heart and mind so that I reflect your peace and joy.

Help me explicitly tell others that I support them, so they feel encouraged.

Give me wisdom for this decision I need to make.

Guide the work I do today so it blesses others.

Bless my relationship with [fill in the blank]. Bring us toward deeper connection, patience, and healing.

Help me use my money and possessions wisely and generously to support those in need.

 

Give our leaders wisdom, honesty, and a desire for justice and peace.

Karen Cauley

karenowllandahl@gmail.com