Bless Me, Father!
by 'Sister Jenny'

A few years ago, a particular prayer became very popular among Christians and even found its way into the secular world. This prayer, called the Prayer of Jabez, asked for God’s blessings, which of course included financial rewards, something that very much appealed to the materialistic world.

Although this is a wonderful prayer and God does want to bless us in all areas of our lives, there is another prayer that is equally powerful but is seldom used, especially by parents. Observant Jewish families are quite familiar with this Aaronic Blessing since it is very common for the father to lay his hands on the head of his children to bless them.

So, what is the origin of this blessing? The answer is found in Numbers 6:24-26. We are told that God directed Moses to instruct Aaron, the high priest, on how to pray over the children of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament we find the patriarchs fulfilling this directive by praying over their children. Since a father is the priest of his home, he is likewise encouraged to bless his children and his wife. (Moms can also invoke God’s blessings on her children as well.)

Children derive enormous benefits from this powerful prayer. This is an awesome way for a child to feel God’s love, security and protection through his parents. It is a way for parents to demonstrate their love, and confidence in a child. In other words they know the child will succeed because they have spoken a Godly promise over him or her. This is a wonderful booster to their self-esteem!

Small children grow up with an image of their heavenly Father blessing them, by watching the way their parents have blessed them. Unfortunately, all too often we hear just the opposite, even in Christian homes. Psychologists tell us that human touch can be very healing. Therefore, it is very beneficial for the father to place his hands on the head of the child as he invokes God’s blessings. What better way to demonstrate your love?

(The Aaronic Blessing)

<<Previous Article --- Top of Page --- Next Article>>