Blessings & Benedictions -- from The Chosen

My husband and I have been watching The Chosen. For those of you who are not familiar with this truly riveting dramatic series, here is the storyline of the first season:

A charismatic fisherman struggling with debt. A troubled woman wrestling with demons. A gifted accountant ostracised from his family and people. In this ground-breaking first season of The Chosen see how Jesus reaches each of these and more as He works His first miracles and embarks on His ministry to change the world. See Him through the eyes of those who knew Him. IMDb

Be sure to click on the link to see and read more.

But in this post, I want to share with you something that impacted me right away. It is the “Blessing” spoken often throughout the season. I have learned that it is the opening to every Jewish blessing recited for all kinds of occasions. List of Jewish Prayers & Blessings

And I love it!

Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe …

I have found myself day by day, beginning my prayer time with these God-exalting, heart-grabbing words …

Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, Who gives me this day to be Your vessel, Your instrument, Your expresser in Your world…

My wording may change for what I’m blessing, but not my acknowledgement of Who is the true and only Blesser of all things.

Maybe you would like to join me in the coming weeks at A Branch in the Vine, as we explore various blessings and benedictions throughout Scripture. Maybe we will find ourselves reciting and praying our favorites often and even memorizing them.

Next time I will share when and how the Lord first spoke to me about blessings.

But for now, pray with me…

Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe Who has given “to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” 2 Peter 1:3 ESV