A Benediction Prayer to End a Service

And now, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

As you leave this place, may you carry what you received here — the word that was spoken, the songs that were sung, the grace that met you at the door.

Into your homes, may He go with you. Into your workplaces and classrooms, may He go with you. Into your hospital rooms and hard conversations, into your ordinary Tuesday afternoons, may He go with you.

When the week grows loud, may you remember His quiet. When the week grows heavy, may you remember His strength. When you fail — and we all do — may you remember His mercy, which is new every morning.

May your homes be places of peace this week. May your work be honest and your rest be sweet. May the words of your mouths and the meditations of your hearts be acceptable in His sight.

May you be quick to forgive, generous to the ones who need you, and gentle with yourself. And if this week brings trouble — and some weeks do — may you remember that you do not walk alone.

And may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds until we gather here again.

Go now in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

When to Pray This

A benediction is spoken over the congregation at the very end of a service — traditionally with the pastor's hands raised and the people standing. Speak it slowly, as a blessing given rather than a prayer requested. It also makes a beautiful closing for weddings, funerals, and retreats.

A Verse to Hold On To

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." — Numbers 6:24–26 (KJV)