Praying a blessing on others

As Genesis, the first book of Moses ended, so does Deuteronomy, with a blessing. 

(Okay, okay.  Technically the final chapters are not blessings in either book, but it’s close enough.)

And while Jacob prayed specifically over his sons, Moses prayed over their descendants, tribe by tribe. 

As I read this, I wondered how often do I pray this way over people in their presence and in such detail? 

Think about the kinds of things Moses prayed for.

He prayed for help against their enemies. (Deuteronomy 33:7) 

One thing it’s always important to remember is we’re fighting a war. 

But as Paul writes, it’s not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. (Ephesians 6:12)

Because of this, we ought to be praying for others as they fight that war.

He prayed that God would bless the work of their hands as they served him. (verse 11)

We too should pray for others, and especially for our pastors that God would bless them as they lead the church.

He prayed for security and rest. (12)

It’s so easy to get trampled by the worries that abound in this world.  And so we all have need for the peace that passes understanding.

He prayed for material blessings. (13-16)

This is not to say that we are to necessarily pray that people be wealthy.  But we pray that God would bless them that they in turn can be blessings to others.  (2 Corinthians 9:8-11)

It’s very easy to pray general blessings on people. 

Let’s start praying more specific prayers. 

I don’t know about you, but I could use as many of those as I can get.