Power of the father’s blessing

“Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you.
Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.
Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!” Genesis 27:29

The blessing of a father has immense power. Philip, one of my dearest brothers, taught me of how powerful and important is this blessing. He explained that he would bless his children every night, no matter where they are. If they were apart, the kids would even make an effort to call him before bed to receive this blessing. His blessing was formed by years of learning and closeness to the Lord.

When I had heard of this, I immediately wanted to start blessing my children and wife. I didn’t know what to do so I began simply. I would trace the sign of the cross over their forehead as I recited this simple prayer, “I bless you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”

The father is the priest of the house and has full authority in the eyes of God to act as such by blessing, prayer and teaching within his household. Though my kids are older now out of the house, and have fallen from their faith. I do still bless them each night through my prayers. I have often felt the only thing protecting them from danger or further fall is the armor of this blessing. And, in prayer every night, I send my blessing through space upon each of them. After all, God is omnipresent so He can carry the blessing anywhere.

I understood my responsibility and privilege blessing my children and so, at my daughter’s college graduation, I wrote a blessing from father to daughter for her. I blessed her in the moment and in the future. I blessed her work and activities from that day forward and even her relationships.

As we focus upon St. Joseph this year, imagine his blessings upon Jesus. Though Jesus is God, I don’t think Joseph’s fatherly blessing had any less power, or joy for Jesus.

So, fathers begin this today. If your children are young and at home, before bed and after prayer each evening, lay you hand upon their head. Trace the sign of the cross over their forehead as I recited this simple prayer, “I bless you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” Consider calling upon their guardian Angel and patron saint. And don’t forget the Blessed Mother. It doesn’t have to be complex or wordy. Just do it.

If your children are out of the house, call them and give them the blessing. And if they won’t accept a blessing because they have fallen away, send it through prayer by way of the Father’s power. Their guardian Angel will be strengthened and they will be blessed.

The protection and blessings of your blessing are beyond any the big you can imagine. Your blessing carries weight.