A Powerful Prayer of Blessing for Your Family

Somehow it’s gotten to be Wednesday again, and it’s less than a week till our daughters come home from college for Thanksgiving break! This will be the first time they’ve been home since they started the semester at the end of August. We’re all excited for them to be back here for several days.

Recently my husband was talking about how when my mom sends us a card or a note, she always includes 3 John 4. Are you familiar with that verse? It says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” It’s always an encouragement to us to keep walking in truth!

I’m not as consistent about including a Bible verse reference when I write to our girls. However, when I do put one in their notes, it’s typically Number 6:24-26. That’s the blessing I pray often for my family.

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

So when I pray these verses, what am I asking God for in regards to my family? It’s these six things.

1. His blessing.

To me, this means wanting God to grant good things to those for whom I’m praying. I’m trusting that He will answer the prayers that my husband or children are praying for their own lives. And not just answer those requests but do it exceeding abundantly above all that they could ask or think. [Ephesians 3:20]

2. His protection.

God has the ability to watch over my family in whatever situation they face. He can protect them from physical harm, and also from spiritual attacks. Just as Jesus taught his disciples to pray, I can ask that the Lord would not lead them into temptation, but would deliver them from evil. [Matthew 6:13]

3. His favor.

This portion of the passage says, “The Lord make his face shine upon thee…” Just as the sun shines light and warmth down on the earth, I want God’s favor to shine on my family because He is pleased with them. Matthew Henry’s commentary calls God’s favor “the smile of a loving Father.”

4. His grace.

We all need God’s grace every day of our lives. No matter how well my husband or daughters (or myself!) may be living, we could never deserve all the good things that God provides for us. And when one of them is struggling, it’s God’s grace that can carry them through, giving strength and courage as they need it.

5. His notice.

We know that God cares for each one of us. Yet I love this reminder of the Lord lifting up His countenance upon us. How sweet to pray that God would focus on someone I love, that they would receive His individual attention and kindly interest.

6. His peace.

What a way to end! God’s peace in the lives of those we care about is such a gift. Life comes along and gives them reasons to be anxious, worried, or fearful. But God can give them His peace in their soul.

These verses hang on a wall in our home and are a daily reminder to me to pray God’s blessings over my family!

Dear Lord, bless my husband and my children. Protect their bodies, minds, and hearts. Don’t allow Satan to gain a foothold in their thoughts. Cause your face to shine on them and allow them to see your grace at work in their lives. Look on each one of them today and let them know that you love and care for them. Give each one your peace in their souls.

If you’d like to learn more about praying for your family, check out my prayer guide on How to Pray the Bible for Yourself and Your Family.

Related posts:

• 7 Prayers to Pray for Our Homes and Families in 2021
• 5 Prayers to Pray for Your Children Every Day
• How to Make a Monthly Prayer List for Your Family