1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Christianity

A Priestly Blessing
The Benediction

By Mary Fairchild, About.com

In Numbers 6, the Lord instructed Moses to have Aaron and his sons bless the children of Israel with this special prayer. It is also known as The Benediction. The prayer is often said at the close of a Christian church service to pronounce a blessing upon the congregation, or in a wedding ceremony to bless the bride and groom.

    A Priestly Blessing

    Numbers 6:24-26

    (NKJV)

    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 upon you,
    And give you peace.

    (NIV)

    The LORD bless you
    and keep you;
    the LORD make his face shine upon you
    and be gracious to you;
    the LORD turn his face toward you
    and give you peace."

    (NLT)

    May the LORD bless you
    and protect you.
    May the LORD smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
    May the LORD show you his favor
    and give you his peace.

Explore Christianity
About.com Special Features

Ten common misconceptions about Islam debunked. More >

Use these prayers to inspire and inform your own conversations with God. More >

  1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Christianity
  4. Prayers & Verses
  5. Common Christian Prayers
  6. A Priestly Blessing - The Benediction>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.