Monday, May 14, 2007
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Sermon on the Mount
Postings and discussion concerning life and benediction.
Followers
Heart Cries
Praying by the Spirit in the Midst of Life
Authored by Robert V. Rakestraw, Jane E. Spriggs
Bob's website
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benediction
The practice of benediction may be regarded by some as a mere ritual of dismissal, but it is so much more than an encouraging word at the end of a church service. It is both a pronouncement and a prayer. It pronounces, by the authority of God's word, a blessing on those who receive it, and it expresses a God-given desire for the well-being of the recipient or recipients. It may be offered by anyone who hungers and thirsts for God and God's righteousness, and may be offered to and for anyone who is seeking to know and follow God. It may be offered anytime and anywhere, in person or through prayer. Benediction is a marvelous means of serving God and others, and may be practiced by the most advanced clergyperson or by the newest Christian who longs to be a blessing. It is almost always appreciated and is always used by our Lord to accomplish good, when offered sincerely.
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Francisco de Zurbarán. St. Francis Kneeling. 1635-39. Oil on canvas. National Gallery, London, UK.
11 comments:
Bob;
I love your blog! And, I'm wondering the difference between a benediction and the Old Testament concept of 'shalom'. It seems to me that if a benediction is a blessing, saying 'shalom' to someone is wishing/praying they will find God's great peace and wellbeing...
What do you think?
Jane
Jane,
You are "spot on." I had a more elaborate reply, including some thoughts on John 20:19-23, but I somehow deleted it while trying to post it. No energy left. Thanks.
Bob
Hi Dad!
Your blog looks great! I'm happy I got to write in this.
I'll write soon.
Love, Joni
LAV said
You are a blessing and a benediction to me, as your friendship has gladdened my life and brought me closer to God!
May this blog gladden your heart!
Laurie
Looks great, Bob!
I'm so glad you got it started.
That way your thoughts and words can bless others as much as they bless me. Bless you as you integrate your faith and thoughts and put them into language for us -- Peace,
Kim
Hi Dad!
I believe more and more as I get older that a blessing can change someone's life for the better. Mom has helped me to see this, as has the book The Blessing. I bless my children and my husband every day (many times a day) and I bless you and Mom and Laurie and her family.
In whatever way or ways God knows we all need to be blessed the most, I pray and expect that He will accomplish this in His way, as He makes all things beautiful in their time.
I love you so much Dad. Happy early Father's Day!
Love,
Joni
I am not surprised that you continue to be a "blessing of fresh air" to me, Dr. Rakestraw. I thank God that I know you and consider you a very good friend.
Pete
What greater blessing can we receive than the knowledge that: "Because I live, you also will live." (John 14:19)? If Jesus had not been raised from the dead this saying would have no meaning, but He did (and was seen by over 500 people!)
We appreciate the way you and Judy blessed us while we were living in MN Bob, and now you continue to bless us.
Bob, you are a blessing to Nancy and me. We pray for you and Judy
daily.
Dave K
Hi,
I am a former classmate of your daughter Joni. We were on the same floor together at Bethel freshmen year.
I last talked to her a few years ago but the phone number I had for her is now out of service.
I would love to hear from her if she by chance runs across this or if you could pass on this information to her.
My name when I was at Bethel was Kris Jones and if Joni likes she can email me at medelle at yahoo.com
Thank you so much!
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