Sometimes it’s Beatles or the soundtrack of The Greatest Showman that’s constantly being sung by the kids. Lately, it’s this hymn that’s on repeat. They would sing in the middle of answering their math, between chores, or right before bedtime; always trying to figure out how to blend their voices and sing the Amen part.  

This hymn is based on Numbers 6:24-26. It was when the Lord commanded the Levites (priests) to bless the people with this three-fold blessing. These bible verses were put to music so many times but this one in particular was set to music by Peter Christian Lutkin (year 1901) in his classic tune Benediction.

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you.

My children and I have witnessed this sung by both small and big groups, and it never fails to leave us in awe.

“Here is a benediction that can give all the time without being impoverished. Every heart may utter it, every letter may conclude it, every day may begin with it, every night may be sanctified by it. Here is blessing – keeping – shining – the uplifting upon our poor life of all heaven’s glad morning.” – Notes from My Bible, by D.L Moody

Join us in singing this hymn? 

(We’ve been incorporating hymns since eldest was 2 or 3. More about how and why here and here.)