“You shall say to them: ‘The LORD bless you, and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.’ So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.”Numbers 6:23-27

As the first high priest of Israel, Aaron had special responsibility: To pray for God’s people. In fact, this prayer was so important to God that He gave Aaron the specific words He wanted him to speak. First, Aaron was to pray that God would bless and keep them in every situation. No matter what problems they faced, God wanted them to know He was with them and that He wanted to bless them. They did not need to be discouraged, for His face would shine upon them, and He would turn His face toward them. This was a promise of direction and guidance—assuring them that He knew every situation and understood the road ahead. And if they had needs, He wanted them to know He would be “gracious” to them. The Hebrew word here demonstrates how much God wanted to bless them and be merciful to them. This was as if He was pleading with them to believe Him and realize how much He wanted to help them. God wanted Aaron and his sons to pray this prayer so they would “invoke” His name on Israel. By speaking this prayer, the Lord’s name would be placed on His people. Then He would “bless them.” This prayer expresses God’s desire for you today. No matter what you face, you do not have to be discouraged or afraid, worried or anxious. Brothers & Sisters may these words help you realize just how much God wants to bless and keep you…that His face is shining on you…and that He wants to give you His peace.