One important thing to do as a human is to say positive things to oneself. These words affect our lives positively and help us to think positively. This exactly what the benediction prayer is about – it’s a way of declaring positivity to our lives.
Most of the time, there is no “best” time to say this prayer in church because it can be said before the service and after the service. In the Christian setting, what people think the meaning of benediction is might not be the meaning.
Benediction in the church is not just about saying words to lift up the spirit of people in the church, it’s not an inspirational talk, it is a prayer. It is what we say to change the atmosphere before and after the service.
This prayer is not limited to church alone, everyone must know how to and say this prayer every day.
What is Benediction Prayer?
From the origin of the word itself, it is from the Latin language where bene means good and dicere means speak. Joining these together, we’ll see that it is simply about speaking good things.
Benediction prayer is a short invocation for divine help
Benediction prayer is a short invocation for divine help. It is also a prayer said requesting for the best of something or something is made possible by God. Most of the time, the benediction prayer is just about claiming the promises made by God in the Bible.
Speaking of what we say to ourselves as Christians – this time, it is not limited to Christians but for everyone. What we say to ourselves have a great impact on us which is why the Bible advised that we must be careful about what we say. If there is anything we want to say, it must be edifying.
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” The tongue has the power of life and death, saying negative words will pose our lives to danger but if we chose to say positive things without mouth like saying the benediction prayer, we will be doing ourselves good.
Example of Biblical Benediction 2 Corinthians 13:14: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!”
When to Say the Benediction Prayer?
The best time or place known to people that the prayer can be said is in the church which is like the tradition of many churches. This is called the formal benediction where pastors bless the congregation. There are also times we can say this prayer and situations that we can say it.
When to Say the Benediction Prayer?
- In the morning and in the evening.
- Before and after a meal.
- Going out and coming in.
- In times of danger or fear.
The one we say individually without being in the church is called the informal benediction.
1. In the morning and in the evening.
We cannot wait till we get to church and let the pastor or the priest say the prayer for us, we can do this on our own in the corner of our room. So many things are bound to happen in the day that we don’t know about and since the benediction prayer is about declaring positive things or about asking God for help, then it would be wise to say this prayer in the morning before leaving the house. This is to tell God to help us although the day and protect us. Psalm 5:3. When we get back from work or from anywhere we go to and it’s time to sleep, we need a short prayer. Psalm 91:5-6.
2. Before and after a meal.
Prayer before a meal and after a meal is necessary, it is simply about telling God that he has provided and he will continue to provide. It is about declaring positive things and claiming his promises that he will supply all our needs. Act 14:17, Philippians 4:19.
3. Going out and coming in.
Sometimes because we have to rush and get things done before going out of the house, we assume that we have prayed when we get out of bed and no need for benediction prayer before stepping out of the house. The prayer when we wake up is different from the one we speak before going out, it should be said differently. Psalm 121:8.
4. In times of danger or fear.
Benediction is a prayer to invoke God’s help and this is the best time we need it. Whenever we are faced with scary moments or dangers, we should not forget this short prayer, it must be said to ease our fears and settle things by God’s grace. Isaiah 41:10.
Benediction Prayer
Let your life shine on me, Lord. Let your name be glorified in me and your power be made known through me in my generation. Lord, help me to say the right words and teach me to claim the promises you made in the Bible. Lord, I have faith in you that whatever I say will be answered. Let your face shine upon me and let each of my prayers be answered. Amen.
Also read: GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU PRAYER
