BLESSING

Affirm Your Child’s Value

Recommended for ages 3+

WHAT IS THE BLESSING?

Every child needs to experience something the Scriptures call “the blessing.” The following tools can help you begin the process by imparting the kind of blessing only a parent can give.

The blessing is a powerful tool with which we communicate acceptance and genuine commitment. The word comes from the ancient practice of weighing coins on a scale to determine value. Blessing someone ‘adds value’ to his or her life. We see in Scripture the word bless or blessing used almost 700 times. The Bible also gives us great evidence that our God is a God of blessing. Because we receive that blessing from our Heavenly Father, we have the wonderful opportunity to pass it on.

THERE ARE FIVE BASIC ELEMENTS OF A BLESSING…

1. STAY COMMITTED
The blessing is not a fleeting moment or mere symbolic event. It includes an active, long-term commitment to the child’s well-being by accepting responsibility to help him or her become all God intends.

2. SHOW LOVING TOUCH
The power of a hug or placing your hand on your child while affirming him or her creates an important physical connection and communicates warmth, acceptance, and relational health.

3. SHOW VALUE
Just like we add value to someone’s pocket by handing them a coin, we add value to a child’s life when we use words that attach high value to them as a person.

4. SEE POTENTIAL
Parents best see a child’s natural strengths and foresee possibilities for their future. Giving the blessing includes picturing a special future and cheering them toward achieving their potential.

5. SAY IT
An effective blessing must be put into words whether spoken, written, or both. Simply being present is not enough to communicate the blessing. Words of affirmation are necessary for your child to know he or she is appreciated and accepted.

WHO NEEDS THE BLESSING?

Everyone needs to experience unconditional love and acceptance from their parents. Those who don’t receive it can spend later years trying to fill the void missed at home. Those who did receive the blessing have a tremendous advantage in life. An example of this dynamic is recorded in Genesis 28 in the story of Jacob’s two sons.

WHO CAN GIVE THE BLESSING?

Anyone can give the blessing, but the most important and powerful blessing comes from parents.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GIVE IT?

As often as possible! You can take advantage of special occasions and scheduled events to give the blessing in an intentional manner as well as during informal, more spontaneous moments.

You might want to start a morning routine when you drop your child off at school or daycare or establish a nightly routine of blessing before bedtime.

Here are a few practical ways you can begin speaking blessings to your child:

• while driving to school
• tucking them into bed
• celebrating an accomplishment or good effort
• writing a note to place in their lunch.

You can use some of the following phrases to encourage them:

• “I was so proud of you when I saw you…”
• “I think God is going to use you in the future to…”
• “God has gifted you with a unique ability to…”

Bedtime Blessing Prayer:

Select a special Scripture to pray over your child each evening such as Numbers 6:24-26: “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”

• Find scriptures that you love and insert your child’s name as you pray the word of God over them.
• Lay your hand gently on your child’s arm or shoulder while praying to reassure him or her with loving touch.

Below are a few versions of blessings you can pray over your child:

Blessing #1

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you. May the Lord be gracious to you. May the Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace. May He cover you with His name. I pray that you remember it is the Lord who gives you power to create wealth that He might establish His covenant with you.

When you ask Him for wisdom; He will give it to you in generous supply.

You are a child of God, and you do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of the sinner nor sit in the seat of the scornful; but your delight is in the word of God. I pray that you meditate on the word of God, day and night. You shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of living water. You will bring forth fruit in its season; your leaves will not wither, and whatever you do shall prosper.

You are the head and not the tail; above only and not beneath. You are blessed going out and blessed coming in. You can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Greater is Jesus in you than anything that is in the world. You are the lender and not the borrower. God has not given you the spirit of fear, but He has given you Power, Love, and a Sound Mind. Amen!

Blessing #2

My child, I love you! You are special. You are a gift from God. I thank God for allowing me to be your parent. I am proud of you, and I rejoice over you. And now I bless you.

I bless you with the healing of all wounds of the heart – wounds of rejection, neglect, and abuse that you have suffered. In Jesus’ name, I break the power of all cruel and unjust words spoken over you.

I bless you with overflowing peace, the peace that only the Prince of Peace can give.

I bless your life with fruitfulness: good fruit, abundant fruit, and fruit that remains.

I bless you with success. You are the head and not the tail; you are above and not beneath.

I bless the gifts that God has given you.

I bless you with wisdom to make good decisions and to develop your full potential in Christ.

I bless you with overflowing prosperity, enabling you to be a blessing to others.

I bless you with spiritual influence, for you are the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

I bless you with depth of spiritual understanding and a closer walk with your Lord. You will not stumble or falter, for the Word of God will be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.

I bless you to see, draw out, and celebrate the good in people.

I bless you with good friends. You have favor with God and man.

I bless you with abounding and overflowing love, from which you will minister God’s comforting grace to others. You are blessed, my child! You are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Amen!