Text: Mark 10:13-16

Review: The Hebrew word often translated “generations” is toledah (to-led-aw), a word used throughout the Old Testament to describe _________________________________.

The First Blessing

Genesis 12:2-3 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.

Speaking Blessings

Genesis 1:3 Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light

The power of ___________ words is not only evident when God uses them in creating, but it is also evident in His ways that teach us how to live in that ___________.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and Life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

You say, “I Don’t have Children!”

Children are present in everyone’s life. You may have children in your home. Nieces, nephews. What about your friends’ children?

Maybe your children are grown up: You are still not done with your part. Even when kids are gone, they are never really gone. Because they keep multiplying.

What about the little kids next door?

Ways to Bless Children

The first order of blessing is reflected by the simplest things we do:

·       An arm on the shoulder or an embrace in a time of disappointment

·       A pat on the back

·       A whisper in the ear giving instructions

·       A tucking in at bedtime

·       A kiss on the cheek

Words are most affirming of those blessings

1. Words that affirm and __________

2. Words that __________ and compliment

3. Words that speak __________ and affection

4. Words that invoke hope and __________

5. Words that answer __________ and disappointment

The Blessing

Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

As you bless, always see that your demeanor conveys that ____________ and the ____________ of our loving God.

Parents and Friends Prayer

Father, in the name of Jesus,

I am so amazed by Your will and Your ways. I am humbled that You would choose me and give me the privilege of being Your representative in pronouncing Your blessing upon a child.

As I receive this truth, I am willing to exercise its powerful potential with wisdom, faith, and humility. I declare today that You are my God, and I honor the sacred responsibility You have entrusted to me to bless Your children.

Father, help me to minister Your blessing with wisdom and faith. Give me discernment to speak words that bring life, hope, purpose, and destiny into the lives of children. Help me to administer Your grace faithfully and to recognize the significance of every word spoken over their lives.

Thank You for making me aware of the privilege and responsibility of being used by You to bless Your children. May every blessing I pronounce reflect Your heart, accomplish Your purpose, and bring glory to Your name.

In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.