Welcome to this important step along your child's Faith Path!
Let's start by watching this video featuring Dr. John Trent (author of The Blessing) as he explains giving young children a meaningful blessing.
What is a Blessing?
The word “bless” or “blessing” is used almost 700 times in the Scriptures. There are many examples of parents blessing their children and we know that God is a God of blessing: Ephesians 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
We receive a blessing from our Heavenly Father and have the wonderful opportunity to pass it on to our children, communicating the unconditional love, affirmation, and acceptance every child needs from their parents.
We receive a blessing from our Heavenly Father and have the wonderful opportunity to pass it on to our children, communicating the unconditional love, affirmation, and acceptance every child needs from their parents.
Five Elements of a blessing
• BE COMMITTED: The blessing is not a fleeting moment or mere symbolic event. It includes an active, long-term commitment to the child's well-being by accepting responsibility to help him or her become all God intends.
• LOVINGLY TOUCH: The power of a hug or placing your hand on your child while affirming him or her creates an important physical connection and communicates warmth, acceptance, and relational health.
• EXPRESS VALUE: We add to a child's life when we use words that attach high value to them as a person.
• SEE POTENTIAL: Parents best see a child's natural strengths and foresee possibilities for their future. Giving the blessing includes picturing a special future and cheering them toward achieving their potential.
• SAY IT: An effective blessing must be put into words whether spoken, written, or both. Simply being present is not enough to communicate the blessing. Words of affirmation are necessary for the child to know he or she is appreciated and accepted.
• LOVINGLY TOUCH: The power of a hug or placing your hand on your child while affirming him or her creates an important physical connection and communicates warmth, acceptance, and relational health.
• EXPRESS VALUE: We add to a child's life when we use words that attach high value to them as a person.
• SEE POTENTIAL: Parents best see a child's natural strengths and foresee possibilities for their future. Giving the blessing includes picturing a special future and cheering them toward achieving their potential.
• SAY IT: An effective blessing must be put into words whether spoken, written, or both. Simply being present is not enough to communicate the blessing. Words of affirmation are necessary for the child to know he or she is appreciated and accepted.
Giving the Blessing
WHO NEEDS IT? Everyone needs to experience unconditional love and acceptance from their parents. Those who didn't receive it can spend later years trying to fill the void missed at home. Those who did receive the blessing have a tremendous advantage in life. An example of this dynamic is recorded in Genesis 28 in the story of Jacob's two sons.
WHO CAN GIVE IT? Anyone can give the blessing, but the most important and powerful blessing should come from parents.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START? The blessing can be given from a very young age and continue into adulthood. Begin a special focus on this step by the time a child reaches three years old.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GIVE IT? You can take advantage of special occasions and scheduled events to give the blessing in an intentional manner as well as capture informal, more spontaneous moments. You might want to start a nightly routine of blessing before bedtime or as you drop your child off at school or daycare.
WHO CAN GIVE IT? Anyone can give the blessing, but the most important and powerful blessing should come from parents.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START? The blessing can be given from a very young age and continue into adulthood. Begin a special focus on this step by the time a child reaches three years old.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GIVE IT? You can take advantage of special occasions and scheduled events to give the blessing in an intentional manner as well as capture informal, more spontaneous moments. You might want to start a nightly routine of blessing before bedtime or as you drop your child off at school or daycare.
Tips and Tools
A few practical ways you can begin blessing your child are:
On the Go Blessings: Speak words of blessing to your child while driving to school, tucking into bed, celebrating a good effort or accomplishment, or writing a note to place in their lunch. You can also download and frame the Blessing Card linked in the GOING FURTHER RESOURCES below and use a dry erase marker to fill in the You Are Great Because... phrase or create your own using any of the following.
• I was so proud of you when I saw you...
• I think God is going to use you in the future to...
• God has gifted you with a unique ability to...
Bedtime Blessing Prayer: Select a special Scripture to pray over your child each evening such as Numbers 6:24-26 as quoted on the Blessing Card linked here Blessing Card.pdf. Consider printing on card stock and framing the verse to keep beside your child's bed. Lay your hand gently on your child's arm or shoulder while praying to reassure him or her with a loving touch.
Record the first time: Make sure you record your first blessing on their My Spiritual Development Tree. Download a pdf here or pick up one in the Faith@home Center at church.
On the Go Blessings: Speak words of blessing to your child while driving to school, tucking into bed, celebrating a good effort or accomplishment, or writing a note to place in their lunch. You can also download and frame the Blessing Card linked in the GOING FURTHER RESOURCES below and use a dry erase marker to fill in the You Are Great Because... phrase or create your own using any of the following.
• I was so proud of you when I saw you...
• I think God is going to use you in the future to...
• God has gifted you with a unique ability to...
Bedtime Blessing Prayer: Select a special Scripture to pray over your child each evening such as Numbers 6:24-26 as quoted on the Blessing Card linked here Blessing Card.pdf. Consider printing on card stock and framing the verse to keep beside your child's bed. Lay your hand gently on your child's arm or shoulder while praying to reassure him or her with a loving touch.
Record the first time: Make sure you record your first blessing on their My Spiritual Development Tree. Download a pdf here or pick up one in the Faith@home Center at church.
Parent Intentional Faith Path Plan
• Pray daily for and with my child.
• Consistently spend time in God’s Word.
• Bless my child daily.
• Attend church regularly.
• Consistently spend time in God’s Word.
• Bless my child daily.
• Attend church regularly.
going further resources
Take advantage of these resources as you bless your child.
Your Child's Next Step
As a commitment to our growing families at Faith Bible Church, when your little one turns 3, we will mail you the kit for the next step on the Faith Path, Prayer.
Be encouraged as you practice being intentional about guiding your child’s faith journey!
Be encouraged as you practice being intentional about guiding your child’s faith journey!
