“Each day offers simple yet life-defining ways to bless your child, reminding them of their worth and God’s love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 20, 2024
So he went to him and kissed him. When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, ‘Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed… May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Genesis 27:27-29
On a recent trip with our book club (spouses also), we discussed what our heavenly Father was inviting us to know about Him. Through conversation and prayer, I discovered my heart was lamenting the absence of my earthly father’s blessing. I knew and experienced my heavenly Father’s favor and blessing but longed for the human touch of a dad to say, “Well done, I am with you, I am for you.” The Holy Spirit prompted our facilitator, Larry, to ask our friend Bill to pray a blessing over me. A Father’s blessing. At first, I was a little hesitant, not wanting to be the center of attention, but I discovered all eyes and prayers were already focused on me. So, with an exhale of ego and an inhale of humility, I bowed my head in sweet surrender as my friend, brother, and now stand in father, Bill, prayed Scripture and a blessing over me. No fireworks, but something better…a warm peace and a blanket of love filled every crevice of my being. I was forever blessed. Blessed as a son by a beloved son who was the father of three sons. My heavenly Father blessed me immensely through a godly father…His broker of love!
In the Old Testament, a father’s blessing to his son symbolized approval, purpose, and a spoken legacy. This blessing wasn’t just a formality but a spiritual act through which a father called down God’s favor upon his child. We see this in the story of Isaac blessing Jacob (Genesis 27) and Jacob later blessing his sons and grandsons (Genesis 48-49). These blessings often included affirmations, prophecies, and promises about the child’s future, passing on spiritual and material inheritance. The father’s blessing underscores the child’s identity and purpose under God’s covenant promises. Today, this Old Testament tradition reminds us of the importance of speaking blessings and affirmations into the lives of our children. It shows the lasting impact of a father’s words and prayers. Just as these blessings shaped destinies, our words of faith, encouragement, and blessing can impact our children’s lives for generations, calling them to their God-given potential. Now, consider some practical ways to show your child a deeper love.
So, how might you bless your child? Pray and think in terms of not just a formal time and place to bestow a blessing but also those daily opportunities to bless, affirm, encourage, and speak truth into who they are and who, by God’s grace, they will become. Your gift of a formal prayer of blessing may include Scripture that Bill prayed over me in Psalm 112:1-9 and Psalm 103:1-5. Having other friends speak truth and affirmations also brings incredible blessing and confidence. Each day offers simple yet life-defining ways to bless and affirm your child, reminding them of their worth and God’s love. Start by speaking words of encouragement—tell them you’re proud of who they are, not just what they do. Pray over them, asking for God’s guidance and protection in their lives. Listen to their dreams and struggles, showing them you value their thoughts and feelings. A gentle touch—a hug or hand on their shoulder—can reassure them of your support. When you intentionally bless your child, you’re planting seeds of confidence and faith that will grow throughout their lives. A father’s/mother’s blessing is God’s gift to grow them like Jesus!
Prayer
Lord, help me to be intentional in blessing my child each day. Give me wisdom to speak words that encourage, guide, and build their faith. May my actions show them Your love, and may my prayers surround them with Your protection and grace. Let them grow strong in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Genesis 27:27-29; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 20:7
Worship Resource
CeCe Winans: Goodness of God
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