ROOTED - Friday, February 6, 2026

Reflection: Priestly Blessing
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
My junior high and high school years were spent attending Glen Iris Baptist School in downtown Birmingham, AL… an ultra-conservative, small private school. Music was the principal focus of that school. Everyone was encouraged to take piano and “forced” to be in the choir. Annually the choir went to Bob Jones University (again… SUPER conservative) for a national choir competition. In the providence of God, I learned how to read music, and develop a love for sacred music (which God has used for ministry) at Glen Iris. One particular year we performed Peter Lutkin’s arrangement of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” There are two versions (look it up on YouTube), John Rutter’s and Lutkin’s, but Lutkin’s is the best! The high tenor part, along with the soprano’s) to this day causes the hair on my head to stand. It is lovely, moving, and worshipful… especially the final “Amen.” 
When I read the priestly blessing here in Numbers, it is the text for Lutkin’s piece of music. This blessing was an instruction from God to the priests to speak over God’s people. I have prayed this over my loved ones in my prayers for 20 years: a blessing and prayer for the Lord’s blessing, his grace and favor… that those I love will experience the settling peace of God. Not only is it a theologically rich cascade of blessings, but it is also a poetic masterclass. I encourage you to pray this over your family in your prayers. With all of the sincerity of heart (not as a rote dictation or incantation), with meaning and purpose, ask the Lord to bless your family. This priestly blessing is a good place to start. I personally think it is the pinnacle of blessings in the Bible and one to commit to your memory for your prayers. And I must say, it is absolutely gorgeous in four-part harmony!  

Prayer
Lord, bless those we love… shine your face upon them, be gracious to them and give them the peace of God to overflowing.