“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.” Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)
Reflection
Every parting in a Christian household is a small ordination for what comes next. The brother who leaves for work carries with him whatever the household said last. The sister who walks out to a difficult meeting carries whatever tone the household set in the hallway. The child who is dropped at the door of a classroom carries whatever the parent whispered at the buckle of a coat. The Aaronic blessing is the household's answer to what the world outside is about to do to the one it is sending out. It does not promise ease. It does not promise the meeting will go well. It promises the presence of the Lord — bless thee, keep thee, shine, lift up, give thee peace. Dear one, let no one leave this house today without a small benediction spoken over them, even if it is only whispered under the breath at the door.
Prayer line
Lord, let no one leave our house today unblessed. Amen.
May the Lord bless you, dear one of this household, and keep you.