Blessings

When I was in high school, I was in the musical, "Fiddler On The Roof." I played the part of the Russian soldier who married one of Tevye's daughters. And believe it or not, I did the Russian bottle dance (where you squat and rise up and squat again to music)!

One of the things I love is the wonderful give-and-take that Tevye, the Jewish milkman, has with God.

They have a true relationship. Tevye is always pausing in midscene to discuss something with the Lord out loud.

As Ann Splangler writes, "Back and forth he goes, arguing with God, arguing with himself, pleading, cajoling, even waving his fist, bantering with God as though he's an old friend who can be buttonholed for advice or a favor anytime."

It's called, "practicing the presence of God," and I talked about last Sunday. Having a continuing dialogue with God.

Daily. While you work. While you play. While you drive in the car.

At one point in the play, someone questions the rabbi of the Russian village in which Tevye lives, asking him, "Is there a blessing for the sewing machine?"

The rabbi replies, "There is a blessing for everything!"

I think that we as 21st century followers of Christ need to take advantage of "blessing prayers," as we walk with God.

Moses prayed blessing prayers.

Jesus prayed blessing prayers.

From Jesus time until today, it is the practice of many Jews to pray specific, short prayers throughout the day, from the moment they awake until they fall asleep.

Each tiny prayer is called a berakhah or brakha, which means "blessing."

In English, the word "blessing" often has the sense of bestowing favor on someone.

But the Bible often speaks of people "blessing the Lord," as when David said, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me..." Psalms 103:1

You see, "Blessing" can also mean "to praise"

A berakhah is actually a prayer of thanksgiving.

So, I encourage each one of us today, to stop, continually, throughout your waking hours and give God a "berakhah" or a blessing, a praise for what He has given you today.

Praise him for life.
Praise him for breath.
Praise him for health.
Praise him for food.
Praise him for family.
Praise him for work.
Praise him for a home.
Praise him for a church.
Praise him for His presence.

"Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord"

Do this, and it might even change your day, and your life (or at least make you easier to be around).

"Father, we praise you today, we bless you, O Lord because of your grace and favor that you bestow upon us. We bless you, O Lord, because you never give up on us. You are always there, always loving, always forgiving, always extending your hand to us. Amen."