My Life in Our Father's World

Benediction: Final Blessings and Reflections #FMF

This week’s Five Minute Friday (FMF) prompt is Benediction.

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What do you think of when you hear the word benediction?

During my childhood, our church would recite or sing a number of benedictions on Sunday morning.

The most memorable was sung to the tune of Edelweiss:

May the Lord, Mighty God
Bless and keep you forever
Grant you peace, perfect peace
courage in every endeavor
Lift your eyes and see His face,
and His grace forever
May the Lord, Mighty God
bless and keep you forever

I found this video of Children Choir “May the Lord”, it is a slightly different version than we used to sing, but beautiful all the same.

At its core, a benediction is the final blessing given by the pastor and/or congregation to close a worship service and send everyone off on a positive note.

I can recall other instances when I have been present for a different type of benediction. Each time I was at the bedside of a dear friend, knowing that it was the last time that I would see them this side of Heaven. Those gathered shared quiet words of love, prayed, and said our final goodbyes. I will never forget the phone call telling me that Tara had died while we were still in the hospital elevator. You see, her husband (even though he was not a church-going man) had graciously given us one more night as a small group. She waited for us to usher her into the arms of her Savior.

Yes, we had prayed for her to be healed of the ravages of cancer, because we wanted her to STAY with us a while longer. Nevertheless, we also knew that she was worn out from the fight and ready to be free from endless pain and sickness.

18 comments

  3. The word makes me think of blessing.

    I am not familiar with the blessing you posted that you used to sing, but loved the video of the children’s choir singing it. Thanks for sharing the link.

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  7. There is a special holiness in blessing and praying a beloved believer into eternity. A benediction for the one going home to heaven, and a comforting benediction for those of us left here bereaved. Visiting from FMF#2

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  9. When I see or hear the word Benedition, I think of this…

    May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and sweet communion of the Holy Spirit, rest rule and abide now henceforth and forever more.

    Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
    Praise Him all creatures here below
    Praise Him above all heavenly hosts
    Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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