What is the Benediction?
The benediction is the blessing at the end of the service. God grants us these blessings as we walk by grace through faith. The words of the benediction in this service are the words God commanded Moses to speak to the children of Israel.
What does it have to do with our worship?
We conclude our worship with the blessing of God. God has come to us with His blessings in Word and Sacrament. We now ask that God would grant those blessings as we go our separate ways, trusting that He will.
What does the Bible have to say about this?
Numbers 6:22-27 – God gives these words to Moses, that he might speak them to Israel. God promises to put His name on them and bless them.
Psalm 67 – The Psalmist praises God for His grace and mercy and is sure of the blessings of God.
2 Corinthians 13:14 – Paul speaks the benediction we use in other orders of worship.
2 Peter 3:18 – Peter’s benediction is that we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
Jude 24-25 – Jude blesses God for the wonders He has performed.
Revelation 22:21 – The last words from God in scripture are a simple benediction desiring that the Lord’s grace be with us.
Suggestions
You may want to end as many things as possible with a short benediction. This will remind you of the blessings God has given and His promise to be with you with His blessings in times ahead. You may also want to sing the following hymns from LSB: 748, 878, 879, 880, 917, 919, 921, 922, 924.
Object Lesson
Teach them the meaning of the phrases of the Benediction . . .
The Lord bless you and keep you
This is a desire that God grant you the blessings you need to live each day (food, clothing, shelter, etc.), and that He protect you from all harm.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you
What would cause God to look away from us is our sins. But Jesus took our sins, and dressed us in his righteousness, so God looks on us with His grace (undeserved favor).
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace
The people of Israel saw the countenance of God come in a cloud and enter the Temple. The Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and makes us His Temple. He continually reminds us that we are God’s child by grace through faith in Jesus, which gives us peace.
Prayer
Lord God, we thank You for the many blessings you give us in worship. May Your blessings go with us wherever we are, until the day when we enjoy Your heavenly benediction. In Jesus’ name. Amen.