Sept 12: Blessings

Here is a summary of our discussion in Adult Ed on Sept 12.

What does it mean? To live with sacred purpose? To be blessed, and to be among the blessed, among things, literally, that have been blessed? What does it mean to us? What are we seeking?

Blessing: consecrating for sacred purpose

Or

Being a channel for a sense of God’s love and grace, eg, blessing some person.

Or

blessing - benediction: a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection

or

infusing with divine purpose, with holiness

or

think of how the term is used in a secular way—and why? 

The closing blessing of the Eucharist—“And now the Blessing of God Almighty…”

Biblical Blessings

Psalm 34

Psalm 67

Matthew 5: 2-12

In the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and The Book of Occasional Services (BOS):

Marriage:

The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage (423, 430-31 BCP)

Blessing of a Civil Marriage (433 BCP): there are requirements to this blessing—not freely given to all those who have had civil marriage,

Blessing of tangible things: Do you own anything that has been blessed?   We set objects apart for sacred purpose, infusing them with spiritual meaning—

The rings are blessed (434) 

Over food:  (835 BCP)

Over all vessels and linens and brass , ornaments, organs, pianos, candlesticks, the font, the altar (BOS)

The Blessing of the Backpacks: Beginning of School Year in Port Neches, Texas.

Of a Home (BOS)

Blessing of a Pregnant Woman  (157 BOS)

Thanksgiving for birth or adoption of child: (439 BCP)

Birthdays (830 BCP)

Travelers (831 BCP)

Retirement: (327 BOS)

Natural Blessings:

Rogation Days: (103 BOS)

The Blessing of the Fleet: A catholic tradition since the Middle Ages

“Let Us Bless the Lord.”