The LORD bless you

         and keep you;

the LORD make His face

   to shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the LORD lift up

His countenance upon you

    and give you peace.

            Numbers 7. 24-26

(How differently would we

    approach what is before us

if we went forth into this day

with these words of blessing

overflowing from our hearts.

Not wishing others well,

but singing a blessing

             over them,

not just for human wellbeing

    but the power of God.

May we live with

    His name upon us

and His love in us

   to love all those around us.

God uses us to bring

   these sacred words

              of blessing

--spoken and unspoken--

into every appointment,

every encounter,

every relationship.)

O LORD,

Help us to come before You

    and before others

with blessing on our lips,

Your words already formed

             in our hearts,

Your love translated into actions.

May we not seek blessing

                 for ourselves,

but to bless You

          and bless others.

We find our joy

     being loved by You.

We can't help but

              live differently.