Question about Blessings

  • Thread starter Thread starter Matt_CL
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
M

Matt_CL

Guest
Could someone please clarify what types of blessings are appropriate for a layperson to give. I am not talking about the blessings that are obviously reserved for the ministerial priesthood to impart. What I am talking about is this: Sometimes in conversation, instead of saying “good bye” or “take care”, I will say “God bless you” or “may God bless you” or in signing off a letter I will write something like “May God bless you and keep you always”.

Is this appropriate? I dont see anything wrong with this, but I wanted to throw the question out to see how other people felt.
 
I always take that to mean the person is wishing/hoping for God to bless me, not that the person is giving the blessing on behalf of God.
 
Matt_CL said:
Could someone please clarify what types of blessings are appropriate for a layperson to give. I am not talking about the blessings that are obviously reserved for the ministerial priesthood to impart. What I am talking about is this: Sometimes in conversation, instead of saying “good bye” or “take care”, I will say “God bless you” or “may God bless you” or in signing off a letter I will write something like “May God bless you and keep you always”.

Is this appropriate? I dont see anything wrong with this, but I wanted to throw the question out to see how other people felt.
Click to expand...
These are all good responses for giving someone the lay person’s version of a blessing. And yes, most people DO mean that they hope that God blesses them or is with them always. I often sign off with these regards to family and friends in my letters to them. And I DO mean that I hope that God is with them always and that God blesses them always. You are not wrong with your interpretation. And God Bless You, and Keep You always
magdelaine1173 👍
 
Thanks to all for your kind replies on this item. In reviewing all the responses and in particular the link to a previous Catholic Answers Forum thread on this topic, it seems to me that these layperson blessings are not actual blessings in the technical sense of the word, but rather intercessions to God, requesting that a person be blessed.

May The LORD bless you and keep you! May HIs face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! May He look upon you kindly and give you peace!
 
I do the same thing too because Our Good God loves us and asks us to love Him by loving one another. So, everyday I ask Him to bless & keep every soul for all time so that we may all draw closer to Him and be with Him in His heavenly kingdom.

God bless and keep us all!
 
However, it can seem condescending and should be used with care to strangers. Some may not like it if a person from a different religion blessed you in their own way. Cuts both ways - so only do it to people you know and trust won’t be offended.
To me, we are all Gods children = but others may not be as broad minded.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top