How to Write a Blessing

by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel
My word for the year 2021 is “blessing” and my focus has been to seek to become a blessing to all I encounter. And, as of the ninth month of this stellar year, of course I have failed at that goal. But I do continue to learn so much about the spiritual practice of blessing others, one that has been around since the beginning of time and eternity. God’s Word is full of blessing and I, for one, believe that this practice is needed today more than ever.
Part of becoming a blessing to others is to speak into their souls. Not just any old phrase or word or even encouragement. But words that seek to minister to where they are and that seek to help draw out in them all that God has called them to be and to do. 
After quite literally soaking in blessings all during 2020 (which sustained me greatly) I began this new year writing blessings. As I worked through this process, I saw a pattern emerge that you might find helpful if you want to grow in your power to bless. Consult: I would never attempt a blessing without first consulting God’s Word and seeking the Holy Spirit’s discernment through prayer.Connect: I begin a blessing by first connecting to a person’s circumstance, emotions, or felt need. Acknowledging that opens a pathway to receptivity.Communicate: As God guides, I communicate scriptural truth, something I sense to be their strength or bent, and occasionally a daring challenge. Sometimes body language also communicates through appropriate touch.Confirm: Every blessing ultimately comes from God, so I always end with His promises, love, and hope. I prayed a blessing over all my Write Conversation friends here back in February – “May I Bless You Today?” but have also written you another one this week. May you receive this with great joy!
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,  but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3.17 NIV
Blessing as God’s Delight
Perhaps you didn’t awaken today thinking “God delights in me.” 
May you know it to be true – that gladness reigns as God walks beside you into this new day, ever in your midst.
May the assurance of His deep love and complete care fortify you against all that would cause your heart to falter and to fear. 
May you be enveloped within and without – in a cloud of calm as He quietens you with a gentle “Hush.”
And in that silence, may you hear the most exquisite music ever– the melodic notes of deliverance, daring, and delight. 
The Lord singing over you – His beloved.

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Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 15 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her award-winning books include Soul Strong, Life-Giving Choices, Dwelling Places, and Ordinary Graces. Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and AWSA, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs monthly for ‘The Write Conversation.’ 
Whether coaching writers and speakers, pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. As a communications teacher, she has served on the faculty of Speak Up Conference, Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Florida Christian Writers Conference, Asheville Christian Writers Conference and co-directs the annual spiritual retreat reNEW – retreat for New England Writing & Speaking. Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, McDowell shares words from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at WWW.LUCINDASECRESTMCDOWELL.COM