“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High Who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Genesis 14:19
This is the prayer and blessing given by Melchizedek King of Salem over Abram after he was called by God to be the father of a great nation. Melchizedek is one of the most interesting persons of Scripture having no beginning or end, no lineage, he seems to be almost divine by nature and he served as God’s first High Priest. See Hebrews chapter 7 verses 1-3 for more information about him.
His blessing was monumental in establishing the covenant God gave to Abram. His blessing is actually a prayer, as all blessings ultimately are because they are a petition to God to grant favor. Prayer is communication with God and calling for blessings upon ourselves or one another is such an act. Consequently, his prayer is a wonderful model to follow for us today.
I’m encouraging you to pray blessings upon people today. Name them specifically and be clear in articulating that which you desire God to give them. Our Lord loves and accepts such prayers because it is His will to bless His people. How wonderful it is when we have Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are willing to pray blessings upon us. It not only makes us feel good, but it has real effect as it is directed to the Lord and giver of Life and all that this Life entails.
In upcoming devotionals, I would like to look more closely as some of the more prominent prayers in the Old Testament and thereby recognize the power and necessity of prayer in our daily lives and the lives of others. I pray that you will join me as we do so.
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian