How can we apply "bless the boys" in our family prayers today? Verse focus: Genesis 48:15-16 “Then he blessed Joseph and said: ‘May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has redeemed me from all harm — may He bless these boys. And may my name be carried on by them, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.’” Key truths packed into “bless the boys” • Blessing flows from personal experience with God: Jacob points to the Lord as “my shepherd” and “redeemer.” • It looks forward: he asks for future fruitfulness and a continued godly heritage. • It is specific: protection, identity, multiplication. • It is verbal: spoken aloud over the children, carried by faith. Why parental blessing still matters now • God designed parents to speak life (Proverbs 18:21). • Blessing aligns our desires with God’s covenant promises (Deuteronomy 7:9). • It reinforces a spiritual family identity every child needs (Psalm 78:4-7). • The New Testament continues the pattern as Jesus lays hands on children and blesses them (Mark 10:16). Practical ways to weave “bless the boys” into family prayer 1. Set a regular moment (bedtime, breakfast, before school) to lay a hand on each child’s shoulder. 2. Begin by acknowledging who God is to you personally (shepherd, redeemer, faithful Father). 3. Name each child and speak a three-part blessing: • Protection from harm. • A firm identity in Christ and in your family’s faith line. • Fruitfulness in character, calling, and future family. 4. Keep it short, memorable, and scripture-saturated. 5. If sons are older, invite them to stand and receive the words as young men. 6. Include daughters by adapting the wording (“bless these children”) so every child hears the same biblical promises. 7. Repeat the key phrases often; repetition engrains truth. Sample blessing phrases derived from Genesis 48:15-16 • “May the God who shepherds our family guard you from every harm.” • “May the Redeemer mark you with His name and ours, so you walk in a long line of faith.” • “May you grow into a mighty multitude of influence for Christ on the earth.” • “May the Lord who led Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lead you every step you take.” Other Scriptures that reinforce speaking blessing over children • Numbers 6:24-26 — “The LORD bless you and keep you…” • Psalm 128:1-4 — “Your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.” • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 — “Teach them diligently to your children.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trusting the Lord with all one’s heart. • 2 Timothy 3:15 — Timothy knew the Scriptures “from infancy.” Summary takeaways • “Bless the boys” is more than a phrase; it models a covenant-rooted, spoken impartation parents are called to give. • Keep the blessing God-centered, Scripture-filled, and personal. • Speak it regularly, believing the same Redeemer who protected Jacob will shape your children for generations to come. |
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