exceptionnoted

Over lunch last Sunday, those sitting at my table began discussing the benediction (blessing or “good word”) that typically concludes our worship services at CRBC.  After the closing prayer I typically pronounce a Scriptural benediction upon the congregation.  In the AM service, this is usually the so-called Aaronic blessing of Number 6:24-26 (“The LORD bless thee and keep thee….”), and in the PM service Paul’s trinitarian blessing from 2 Corinthians 13:14 (“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ….”).  I sometimes transition from the closing prayer to the benediction by saying (something like), “And now we receive this blessing from God’s own Word…..”  Of late, I have sometimes also said to the congregation, “And now you may lift your eyes to receive the benediction….”

The questions discussed at our table were along these lines:  Is the benediction a prayer?  Where do we find warrant for the benediction in Scripture?  Is it OK to receive the…