Day 6: Forty Day Journey of Prayer

Day 6: Journey of Prayer

Monday, January 11, 2021

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ”Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: ‘The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.’ So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.” Numbers 6: 24-27

What a beautiful blessing this is. One that is often prayed at the end of the wedding ceremony and church services. I find it familiar and very comforting to hear the phrase, “the Lord bless you and keep you”. Until Chris and I started talking about this verse on our walks, I was guilty and somewhat amazed I didn’t employ it much in my own life as well as praying it over my “people”. Not only is it beautiful but it’s packed with everything I want! Not one frivolous word written here. I want Every.Single.Word. that I read here which is coming directly from the One who can actually deliver.

What about you? Do you find yourself fearful or somehow think you're selfish in asking the Lord to bless you and yours? If so, examine why that would be.This prayer names it and claims it. Simply said, He is offering you a blessing free of charge and wants you to ask. If there is something preventing you from praying this over yourself and your love ones then move that out of the way and PRAY IT BOLDLY. Keep in mind it’s His choice to bless when and how He chooses , but indeed, He will bless!

What a great visual Chris had of “keeping us”. He is our shepherd and His desire is to protect us. Sometimes I forget that when I feel anxious about those closest to me. I must remember , those people (including me) are His children first and the Bible says He is our protector from evil. His desire is to protect you and me. Why do I spend time worrying when I could be praying and praising Him ?

I find this Aaronic blessing especially comforting right now when the world feels so out of control. I think it’s by no coincidence that today we are diving into this beautiful blessing which lays out exactly what God will do for us. I find myself now, more than ever, claiming these verses especially when my other words fail me. I have His word right on the tip of my tongue and in my heart. He is here now and I can ALWAYS count on Him .

Heavenly Father,

Please bless us and keep us just as You promise. Bless those we have committed to You and keep us confident and secure in it. Help us to hold steadfast in You no matter what is coming towards us. Thank You for loving us so that You pursue our hearts. Please pursue those that are running in the opposite direction and let us all claim You boldly. Amen

For further reading: Psalm 28:8-9; Psalm 17:8; Psalm 121: 5-8.