Morning Psalms 103; 150

First Reading Numbers 6:22-27

Second Reading Acts 13:1-12

Gospel Reading Luke 12:41-48

Evening Psalms 117; 139

 

Numbers 6:22-27

 

22The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, 24The LORD bless you and keep you; 25the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 26the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

 

27So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.

 

A Sunday blessing. The book of Numbers provides the much beloved blessing that priests would offer the people of Israel. It was said for no other reason than to confer something of God’s grace, God’s own name and being, to God’s people; and so I offer it to you now:

 

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.