The Blessing (Benediction)

The benediction sends people forth with the blessing of God's power over their lives.

Explanation of the Benediction Although announcements are part of the Dismissal, the first liturgical act of the Dismissal is the blessing or benediction. In the liturgical tradition, the pastor stretches forth his or her right hand and, forming a gesture symbolizing the cross, speaks the words of Dismissal. The people, watching, do the sign of the cross and respond with the Amen. In contemporary worship, the minister will raise his or her hands and arms (one or both) above the head, a gesture that symbolizes the laying on of hands, and say the benediction over the people as they stand with heads bowed. The response is "Amen." In worship renewal today a significant emphasis is placed on the importance of recapturing the true nature of the benediction in both word and meaning. Consequently, the preparation of statements that truly bless the people and send them forth with their lives, their homes, their work and leisure, and their service to neighbor and the world truly blessed is being recaptured. Examples of the Traditional Blessing (Benediction) May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. (2 Cor. 13:14) or 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. (Num. 6:24–26) or The Lord bless you and keep you. [Amen.] The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. [Amen.] The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. [Amen.] or The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of God's Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, remain with you always. Amen. (see Phil. 4:7) or May the God of peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being— spirit, soul, and body— free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. (1 Thess. 5:23, tev) or May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen. (Rom. 15:13, rsv) or Now may the God of peace who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do God's will, working among you that which is pleasing in God's sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. (Adapted from Heb. 13:20–21) Examples of Contemporary Blessings The minister asks the people to lift the right hand to shoulder height and make a circle, connecting the thumb and the small finger. The other three fingers are raised. The minister explains that the circle represents eternity and the three fingers the Trinity. The minister now proceeds with the blessing. Direction: Place your right hand on your forehead. Blessing: May God the Father bless you. Direction: Put your hand on your heart. Blessing: May God the Son heal you. Direction: Cross your arms over your heart. Blessing: May God the Holy Spirit heal you. As arms remain across the chest, the minister says: And now may the love of God fill you and make you a loving person; may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ reside within you and make you a gracious person; and may the fellowship of the Holy Spirit touch all your relationships. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And all the people said: Amen. or May our God and Father, the fountain of life and the source of all mercy, bring you to himself throughout this week. May you bring to him a true faith and sincere repentance, and in this way prepare your heart for Jesus Christ, the heavenly King, to whom belong all honor and praise forever and ever. Amen. or Now may the Mighty God, Ruler of heaven and earth, watch over your life and give you protection through this new week. May his Spirit fill you with the hope of knowing that his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is soon to appear. And may that hope help you become a better person, who knows God and performs his will, and gives him praise, both now and always, Amen.