Pray of blessing

Christian Life

3 Prayers of Blessing from the Bible

Written by Jenn Arman   |   November 10, 2014

At some point during a Sunday service in most churches, you’ll probably hear the pastor say something like, “Take a minute and greet someone.” That’s a pretty normal thing to hear in church.

It’s a little less normal to hear the pastor say, “Take a minute to pray a prayer of blessing over someone near you,” but that’s exactly what my pastor says in many of our services.

I remember the first time I heard him say that, I thought, “How do you pray a prayer of blessing?”

Since I was caught so off guard, I decided to look up blessings in my Bible. I didn’t look up what “blessing” means—I just looked up prayers of blessing that were prayed and recorded in God’s Word, and I’d like to share my favorites with you.

The first (and my very favorite) is Moses’ prayer of blessing over the Israelites in Numbers 6:24-26, also called “The Priestly Blessing”:

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.

Then God makes a promise in verse 27 that whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in His name, the Lord Himself will bless them! I believe this is a promise that God continues to honor for all of His children, so it’s important for us to pray blessing prayers over people in the Lord’s name.

Then there’s a great prayer for blessing others with spiritual growth in the Lord from Ephesians 3:16-20:

I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

The final blessing prayer I want to share with you girls comes from Colossians 1:9b-12:

We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light.

Blessing prayers are simple: They are prayers asking for the things of God’s kingdom to be present in the person’s life and for specific attributes of God’s character to show in their life.

I want to challenge you to begin writing your own blessing prayers to use as you spend time praying for the important people in your life.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

Girls, which is your favorite prayer of blessing?

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Children are a gift – an amazing blessing from God.  Every single day we may find ourselves doing a lot for our kids, loving and caring for them, nurturing, teaching, training, helping, leading, equipping, encouraging, protecting, and so much more. We spend precious hours just living out life, helping with homework, and driving them to activities. We spend money on sports, lessons, and various classes to help them grow and become all they can be, providing opportunities for them to do what they most love in this world.

But in the midst of busy, full lives, we have to ask ourselves: Are we praying?  I mean, really praying specific, powerful, promise-filled, hope-inspired prayers. Are we praying God’s powerful Word and promises over their lives?  I’m freshly aware, and challenged to pray more.

There’s a battle over our families today, and the enemy would love nothing more than to destroy all that we hold dear in this life. He’s ruthless and cunning, deceitful and sly. He’ll attack when we’re not watching, he’ll do everything he can to lure our kids his way. Don’t let him win.

Prayer is essential over our children and families, in order to stay alert, aware, and discerning of God’s voice, as well as to stand against the attacks of the enemy in our lives. We should never underestimate the importance of speaking blessing and truth over their lives. Prayer is powerful and his words are true. 

Prayer + God’s Word = Power – the pathway for Him to do miraculous things.

Dear God, 

We praise you for your love and faithfulness. We thank you for your protection and care over our families. Thank you that you give us the power to love well; the wisdom to lead and teach our children. We know you’re for us; that you fight for our families today. You are Redeemer, Restorer, and Friend, we believe you have good in store. We confess, some days, parenting is tough. Many days we can feel anxious or overwhelmed. We ask that you would make us more like you, more aware of your constant Presence in our lives. Help us to release our children to You, so that You are free to fully accomplish all that You desire, in them, through them. Please fill our families with your truth and cover us with your favor. 

Lord, we pray for these blessings over our children, today, and every day…

Belief – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” Acts 16:31

Blessing – “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.” Numbers 6:24-26

Courage – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Contentment – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Encouragement – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

Endurance – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” Hebrews 12:1-2

Faithfulness – “Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” 1 Sam. 12:24

Favor – “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12

Forgiveness – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Fruitfulness – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Generosity – “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19

Godly Relationships – “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Prov. 13:20

Grace – “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14

Health – “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2

Honesty – “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Hope – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Humility – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Integrity – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9

Joy – “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Kindness – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Love – “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” 1 John 3:1

Obedience – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1

Patience – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” James 1:19

Peace – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

Protection – “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:1-2, 4, 11

Provision – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Purity – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” Psalm 119:9

Purpose – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Respect – “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17

Safety – “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8

Salvation – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Self-Control – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Servant Heart – “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

Strength – “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11

Submission – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Thankfulness – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Trust – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Value – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:9

Wisdom – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” Proverbs 9:10

Wise Instruction – “All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.” Isaiah 54:13

Please let your blessings and Word shine on our children and family, as we seek to honor you.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children…” Lamentations 2:19

For prayers to help your child learn how to pray, read 10 Simple & Easy Children’s Prayers.

When it’s time to sleep and you want to help your child learn how to pray at bedtime, use our Kids Bedtime Prayers.

Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor’s wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead’s facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at and

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.

Prayer for Healing

Prayer for StrengthPrayer for ProtectionMorning PrayersGood Night PrayersThe Prayer of JabezShort PrayersThe Lord’s PrayerThe Prayer of St FrancisSerenity PrayerA Birthday PrayerSinner’s PrayerPrayer for ForgivenessPrayer for GuidanceIntercessory PrayerMother’s Day PrayerPrayers for My HusbandPrayer for PeacePrayer for FaithPrayer for LovePrayers for My SonPrayers for My Daughter

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Self-control is someone’s ability to restrain his feelings and behave well in the face of trials and impulses. Children of God are asked to exhibit this trait so that God can be glorified in our lives.

The Bible reference

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”

(Proverbs 25:28 ESV)

Pray for Self-Control

SELF-CONTROL PRAYER – No. 1

Good Lord, please teach me how to apply moderation to everything I do. Do not let me be carried away with worldly activities, but let me be disciplined and have self-control. Let me be efficient in serving you at all times so that you can be happy with me. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Amen.

SELF-CONTROL PRAYER – No. 2

Dear God, please do not let me play with sin. Let me live holy and acceptable life before you so that I can qualify for your blessings. Please guide me to operate under the leadership of your Holy Spirit so that I can enjoy your goodness throughout the days of my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Amen.

SELF-CONTROL PRAYER – No. 3

Dear God, please give me your grace to adequately utilize my tongue. Let my words be seasoned with grace and bless other people. Also, let my speech motivate people to move closer to you. In Jesus Name, I Pray.

Amen!

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“Blessings of Prayer,” New Era, Jan. 2013, 4–5

Photo illustration by Leslie Nilsson

As you probably know, we are blessed if we keep the commandments (see D&C 130:20–21). After all, the Lord gives us instruction so that we can have joy. But what does it mean to be blessed? Sometimes we may think of blessings in such general, vague terms that they lose part of their significance. But every commandment brings you specific blessings when you live it.

For example, have you thought about the blessings Heavenly Father sends you when you pray? If you search the scriptures, you might be surprised at how many blessings are waiting for you because you pray! Just look up “Prayer, Pray” in the Topical Guide.

To the right you’ll see some of the blessings promised to you if you’re diligent in prayer, as well as the scriptures where you can read more about them.

So, the next time you hear someone say that you’ll be blessed for keeping the commandment to pray always (see 3 Nephi 18:15, 18; D&C 61:39), remember that it’s more than just a phrase. Heavenly Father has specific blessings set aside for His faithful children, and often, we simply need to ask for them and live worthy of them.

Forgiveness

• Enos 1:4–5

• Alma 34:17

• D&C 90:1

Blessings for your family

• 3 Nephi 18:21

Ability to overcome temptation

• Alma 34:39

• D&C 10:5

• D&C 20:33

Confidence to enter God’s presence

• Luke 21:36

• D&C 33:17

Actions that are consecrated

• 2 Nephi 32:9

Strength—that ye faint not

• D&C 75:11

• D&C 88:126

Wisdom

• James 1:5

• Alma 5:45–46

• D&C 32:4

Guidance and revelation through the Holy Ghost

• Alma 17:3

• Alma 37:37

• D&C 19:8

• D&C 42:13–14

Protection

• Alma 37:37

• D&C 90:24

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