We usually associate a benediction prayer with the close of a worship service. However, a prayer of benediction (“a good word,” a blessing) is appropriate at any time when divine direction and encouragement are needed.
God’s Word is rich with benediction prayers calling us to live in holiness, hope, love, obedience, reverence, service, and more.
What Is A Benediction Prayer?
When most of us think about benediction prayers, we think about what a religious leader says to bless the group of people.
The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32) is a grace-filled example of God’s servant offering a benediction prayer over the nation of Israel. Take a moment and meditate on the gentle beauty of verse two: “Let my teaching fall like rain and my speech settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants.”
This verse displays the quiet glory of a benediction.
A benediction prayer can also be considered a blessing, a time of personal consecration to God, or words of praise and thanksgiving.
What Benediction Prayers Appear in the Bible?
Given to the people of Israel by Aaron, the brother of Moses, one of the most familiar benediction prayers in the OId Testament is found in Numbers 6:24-26. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
The new covenant is also rich in benediction prayers. The following is a sampling of benediction prayers and blessings from the apostle Paul’s letters to believers in New Testament churches:
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
“May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:16-17).
What Are Some Classic Benediction Prayers?
“God of my heart, and my Portion, Christ Jesus, may my heart faint away in spirit, and may You be my Life within me!” — Saint Augustine
The prayers of Saint Augustine glow with the beauty and reverence of a man’s genuine walk with God as he longs to wholeheartedly serve his Creator, Savior, and Eternal Hope. May these words flow over us as a benediction and blessing in our personal walks with Christ.
“Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.”
The fervent prayers of Charles Spurgeon also focus our hearts on our Creator God. The following excerpt from Spurgeon’s prayer on holiness is a powerful and effective benediction prayer.
“May we love God. May we love Thee, O Savior. May we love the people of God as being members of one body in connection with Thee. May we love the guilty world with that love which desires its salvation and conversion and may we love not in word only, but in deed and in truth. May we help the helpless, comfort the mourner, sympathize with the widow and fatherless, and may we be always ready to put up with wrong, to be long-suffering, to be very patient, full of forgiveness, counting it a small thing that we should forgive our fellow-men since we have been forgiven of God. Lord, tune our hearts to love and then give us an inward peace, a restfulness about everything.”
10 Benediction Prayers for Today
Reading benediction prayers from God’s Word is excellent. Reading ones written by Christians who came before us helps us to think of our spiritual needs in new ways. Sometimes though, it’s good to have benediction prayers written in modern language for our everyday needs.
The following prayers are written as paraphrases of Bible verses to address whatever situation we may find ourselves in.
1. Benediction Prayer for Strength
Oh, Father, my hope and strength each day, may I leave fears of this world behind and rely wholeheartedly on You. You are with me in trouble. You are a steadying hand in uncertain times. May I remember, precious Lord, that Your righteousness upholds me. (Based on Isaiah 41:10)
2. Benediction Prayer for Safety and Godly Perspective
Creator God, Maker of all things, fill my heart with confidence and hope in Your Sovereignty. You are my refuge, my sanctuary, and my safe place. Nothing touches my life without Your knowledge and permission. As my sacred hiding place, You alone are trustworthy and the only true source of peace. (Based on Psalm 91:1-2, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 32:7)
3. Benediction Prayer to Remember God’s Grace
Heavenly Father, may I remember that because of Your grace, I may come into Your presence with boldness, knowing that You are tender and compassionate toward me. In fact, Your love is overwhelming and beyond my understanding. I was dead in my sins, but You made me alive in Christ Jesus, Your Son. Thank you, Father! Your grace has given me life and hope. Now, may I share the good news of this unfathomable grace and love with others. (Based on Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 2:4-5)
4. Benediction Prayer about Our Value Before God
Father God, I am humbled and amazed that You even think of me, yet You knew me before I was born! Your loving hand designed me with plans and purpose and an opportunity to glorify and serve You. You created everything about me—my body, mind, and spirit—and You wove each aspect of me together in my mother’s womb. Oh, what a sacred miracle! I praise You, Father, for the depths of Your love and the gifts of renewal and restoration that You provide all my days. (Based on Psalm 139:13-14, 2 Corinthians 4:16)
5. Benediction Prayer about Serving God
Lord Jesus, may I model my life after Your Word and seek to serve others in obedience to You. May my life overflow with joy in service to others—always pointing to You as the source of hope and strength. And may I know in my depths, Lord, that anything done in Your Name and for Your glory is never done in vain. (Based on 1 Corinthians 15:58, Romans 12:11)
6. Benediction Prayer on the Sovereignty of God
Father, Your Word says that You are over all things, “whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities,” and that You have created all things. Thank you, Father! May my heart rest in your sovereignty, knowing my days are in Your hands. Even amid trouble, nothing is too hard for You. Someday, Lord, You will wipe all tears from every grieving eye and replace mourning with joy. I will be glad and rejoice in Your salvation! (Based on Colossians 1:16, Isaiah 25:8-9, Jeremiah 32:17)
7. Benediction Prayer about Love
Heavenly Father, as I seek to love and serve You today, may I reflect on You, the Author of sacrificial love. May my interactions exude kindness and patience. May I honor others above myself and resist the urge to record the wrongs of others. And may I look for ways to point family, friends, and coworkers to Your endless and unchanging love. (Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
8. Benediction Prayer for Courage
Father God, may I walk in Your promise of unending faithfulness. Even when circumstances frighten and overwhelm me, You will not leave or forsake me. I will walk boldly in this, Father! For I know You will be with me wherever I go. (Based on Deuteronomy 31:8, Joshua 1:9)
9. Benediction Prayer on Loving Our Enemies
Father, there are those whose words and actions are hurtful. Their anger seems to remain inflamed against me. Help me not to fall into the trap of retaliation but to seek Your heart for how to respond. Help me to pray for my enemies and to seek their best. Under Your love and leadership, may I point to You as the source of true and lasting reconciliation. (Based on Luke 6:27-28)
10. Benediction Prayer of Praise and Worship
Oh God Most High, Creator and Sustainer of all things, I lift my heart, soul, and mind in praise! I ask You to infuse each moment of this day with thoughts of Your sovereignty and power. May I remember Your faithfulness in the past, Your provision in the present, and Your loving promises for a future in Your presence. My heart trusts in You. This is my song, precious Father, that I may honor and glorify You with my life! (Based on Isaiah 25:1, Psalm 28:7)
Photo Credit: Getty/Tinnakorn Jorruang
You’ll find Leigh Ann on an adventure with her sweetheart of 39 years, getting silly with her grands, or daydreaming story plots on the front porch.
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This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
