PRAYERS OF BLESSINGS

“The LORD who made heaven and earth BLESS YOU from ZION!” – Psalm 134:3

There are PRAYERS of BLESSINGS in many portions of the Bible. For example, the Blessing commanded in Psalm 133 is prayed for in Psalm 134. But, let’s examine Psalm 128: 5-6. We’ve noted that the first part (vv.1-4) is a Statement of Blessing, while the second is a PRAYER of BLESSING for those who fear the Lord. Having laid out His ways for us in His Word, only those who “fear the Lord” and “walk in His ways” are entitled to His Blessings. Jesus said:: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him” (Jh.14:21). When you put God at the centre of your life, and let His Word mark the circumference of your life – the limits of what you will and will not do, you will enjoy His blessings in all that you do!

The first part of Psalm 128 presents God’s blessings as His reward for those who fear Him, but the second part reminds us that His blessing is not automatic. His blessings must be received as gifts; and we receive by asking for them in prayer. Here are three profound prayers in these two verses:

Perpetual Blessing in Zion: “The LORD bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life” (v.5). This is a prayer of blessing not just for a time or a season, but for life’s duration: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psa.23:6). This prayer also reminds us that God is the source of all blessing, including the unique blessing “from Zion” – where God dwells and meets with His people. Your blessing is guaranteed as you meet daily with the Lord in His presence. It was a blessing for the Jews to be in Zion – God’s holy mountain – for the feasts (Psa.48:1). This prayer asks for God to bless you from Zion all the days of your life. It’s a peek ahead to a latter prayer: “The LORD who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion!” (Psa.134:3). For God to bless you from Zion means that His blessing extends to you wherever you go; and now as a believer, in the gift of the Holy Spirit (Jh.14:16-17).

Communal Blessing: “…may you see the good of Jerusalem…” (v.5b). God blesses us within the community of His people. He is not only concerned with individuals, but for all his people; and so should we. What a delight it is for the believer to see all of God’s people prosper! The church is bigger than an individual, and God’s blessing on the church is our blessing as well. This prayer is a reflection of Psalm 122 and its particular focus on the gathering of God’s people: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces” (Psa.122:6-7). Primarily, we must be praying for Israel and Jerusalem, but it is also a prayer for all of God’s people – for the well-being of God’s church. God wants us to partake of the “good” – the prosperity – not the evil of the land He locates us: “you shall eat the good of the land” (Isa.1:19).

Blessing of Long and Fulfilling Life: “Yes, may you see your children’s children…” (v.6a). This prayer for generational blessing for those who fear the Lord, is both for long life and family perpetuation: “The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened” (Pro.10:27); “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father” (Pro.17:6). To what extent are you passing on your faith to your children and grandchildren? Learn from Lois and Eunice (2Tim.1:5). What a rich blessing you leave for your seeds when you live a godly life in fear of the Lord! What a blessing to pass on a godly heritage to them!