COLUMN: Grey Matters – Blessings are powerful

“In the parched deserts of postmodernity, a blessing can be like the discovery of a fresh well. It would be lovely if we could rediscover our power to bless one another. I believe each of us can bless. When a blessing is invoked, it changes the atmosphere.” -John O’Donohue

Speaking blessings aloud is a powerful spiritual practice. We see it done in a community setting when our churches end their service with a benediction that is usually a blessing. One of the oldest known blessings and still most common is what the Hebrews used in their assemblies: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). This winter at the graveside of a friend this blessing was used. While the casket was still open, through the trees, the sun began shining right on his face before the casket was closed and he was lowered.

Spoken blessings can also be done for others and yourself. First Peter chapter two tells us, “you are a chosen people, royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Followers of God are part of His royal priesthood and high on the list of priestly duties is to bless others. Blessing others is another way to ‘declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light’. Across many traditions, spoken blessings are seen as a way of participating in God’s creative work – shaping our reality through intentional speech. Declaring a blessing is both a prayer and a proclamation, strengthening spiritual identity and cultivating trust rather than fear.

Here are the four secret ingredients for a powerful blessing:

Spoken word

Words prayed aloud can be powerful. They go out into the physical world and spiritual world for all to hear. It takes boldness to pray aloud.

Rooted in truth

As we bless, the words we speak should be rooted in eternal truth and not just our own selfish wishes and dreams. It should reflect God’s sacred desires for the person.

Physical touch

The spiritual and physical realm are not far apart. Providing an appropriate touch on the shoulder, arm or head (if permission is given) provides reinforcement of the special work that is happening. It makes a real connection from our physical world and the spiritual realm. Physical touch also provides the additional benefit of helping the person being blessed to feel cared for.

Care

It is important that the person being blessed feels cared for. Blessings should always be positive and empowering. The one saying the blessing should look at the other with a heart of love.

There you have it! Last month at Red Rock Bible Camp we closed the father-son weekend by learning to bless each other this way. It really changed the atmosphere of the place. Fathers and sons were hugging and couldn’t keep from smiling. What a great way to leave a place and enter the next. One father told me, ‘I’ve heard about this, this was great! I need to do it regularly.’ To see some great examples of blessings to use, search online: ‘John Birch, Blessings’.

Blessings are powerful. When someone verbalizes hope, gratitude, or divine favour over us, it reinforces their connection to something greater than ourselves and aligns our inner world no matter how it feels in the moment with eternal words of truth. Hearing blessings spoken over oneself – whether from one’s own voice or from someone else – can foster belonging, courage, and hope.

Gary Dyck is a chaplain and spiritual care provider at a hospital and personal care home in the Southeast.