I get your point, Helen, but in the example you give that is the Aaronic or
priestly blessing, to be given only by the priests (that's what the LORD is
saying, this isn't to be done by the members of the congregation, but by you
priests).  Your point (whether you realize it or not, smile) is the
priesthood of all Believers which would give you the right to bless others
in the Name of JESUS.  But blessing is always to be used very carefully, as
we can see from the many instances of blessing or promising safety to the
wrong people which haunted Israel most of their days.

One interesting thing which there is no historical proof of but is still
something to think about is that the priests hold their hands out over the
congregation as they say the Blessing because, originally, when Aaron and
the priests said the Blessing, the Shikinah Glory of the LORD, the Eminance
or Glowing that came from the face of Moses actually came out of their hands
and extended fingers onto the Congregation like an anointing.

Wow, huh?  Smile.

Paul
----- Original Message -----
From: "Helen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 8:57 AM
Subject: Re: Blessing


> And God told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to bless the children of
> Israel saying:
>
> 24  The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
> 25  The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
> 26  The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
> (Numbers 6)
>
> Of course, some denominations keep the blessing of this blessing for the
> high and mighty clergy to place upon their congregants, and it's a no-no
> for a mere lay person to use it to bless anyone.  I used it once as I was
> leaving a private meeting in the home of another member, sincerely
desiring
> that God bless the others, and I was sharply taken to task by an elder,
> telling me I couldn't do that, but only the minister of the church was
> allowed to use it.
>
> Helen
>
>
>
> At 08:38 AM 1/6/04 -0500, you wrote:
> >Hey, John
> >
> >I can't think of a specific case (or of much of anything else this
morning.
> >Smile.)  but I'm sure Lutherans and Episcopalians (Anglicans in England)
> >also do blessings as well as the other liturgical folks at baptisms and
> >dedications.
> >
> >Paul