This hymn, which was written in 1983 and first shared with many of us in the newest Presbyterian hymnal, has become one of my favorites. I love this hymn for the tune and the words.

In the footnotes which accompany this song in the Glory to God Hymnal, the editors note that the hymn writer has recast the Aaronic blessing in

Numbers 6:22-27

²² The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ²³ Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them,

²⁴ The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

²⁷ So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.

I love those words too. That’s why, when we can’t sing this hymn as often as I would like, we sometimes use the Aaronic blessing as our benediction.

Prayer

Lord, you do bless us and keep up, and we praise you for this comforting assurance. Amen.