At my church, our much-loved pastor is getting transferred, and her last Sunday is in a few weeks. So the choir director brought out a song we’re going to sing to her on her last Sunday.
I was blown away by this song, because it’s essentially a Blessing Psalm. I plan to memorize it and sing it in my heart for so many people I love, though the first one will be Pastor Gina.
Let me talk about Blessing Psalms for a moment. The ones in Psalms are Psalms 20, 67, 128, and 134, though there are other poems of blessing in other books of the Bible, such as the one the priests were to pray for the people. The blessings offered aren’t specific prayers, but they’re full of love and goodwill. Psalm 20 is my favorite, with passages like this:
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you….
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
You’ll see how the song we’ll be singing fits right in with that. So instead of writing my own example psalm, here’s a Song of Blessing composed by a professional.
I brought the music home to copy the words. Of course, it hits your heart more deeply when sung.
A Blessing of Music
Words and Music by Joseph M. Martin
May your days be filled with music.
May your path be paved with song.
May the sounds of forever lift you up and keep you strong.
May your heart resound with laughter.
May your life be tuned for praise.
May the hymns of faith bring you hope.
May the rhythm of your life bring you joy.
May the harmony of friendship bring you love.
May the Maker bless and keep you.
May God’s music guide your ways.
May God’s gentle whisper always comfort you with grace.
May the voices of angels sing you peace.
Amen
I am going to have trouble singing this without crying on the day – it will be sung with much love!
May you, reader, also receive this blessing of music.