The benediction in a Christian worship service is a final prayer or blessing given to the congregation before they depart. The word "benediction" comes from the Latin word "benedictio," which means "blessing." It is a moment of final reflection and inspiration for the congregation, and it serves as a reminder of God's presence and love.
The benediction has a twofold purpose: to bless the congregation and to send them out into the world. The words of the benediction are intended to inspire and encourage the congregation, reminding them of the hope and strength that they have in God. It is a moment to lift up the congregation, giving them a sense of purpose and mission as they go out into the world to serve and love others.
Benedictions can be written by anyone, or taken from the words of Scripture.
Benedictions from Scripture are especially meaningful because we are certain that we are using God's own words to promise blessings that God himself has pronounced over his people.
How to use Benedictions in your Worship Service:
If you'd like to use some of these Scriptural benedictions for your own worship service, I'd be happy to share them.
You can get all of them (FOR FREE) by subscribing to my email list. Click the link to get the link to the Google Drive Folder that has them all. :)
Here are several benedictions from Scripture:
Scriptural Benediction #1: 2 Peter 3:18
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Here's a video version of this from our church:
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Scriptural Benediction #2: Ephesians 3:17-19
Ephesians 3:17-19 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Here's a video version that our church uses:
Scriptural Benediction #3: Romans 15:13
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Here's a video showing how our church uses this benediction in our worship service:
Scriptural Benediction #4: Romans 15:5-6
Romans 15:13 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Here's a video for this Bible Benediction that our church uses:
Scriptural Benediction #5 Romans 11:33, 36
Romans 11:33, 36 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Here's a video to close your worship service, using this Biblical benediction:
Scriptural Benediction #6: Romans 8:38-39
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Here's the video we use at our church to quote this together:
Scriptural Benediction #7: Numbers 6:24-26
Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Scriptural Benediction #8: Ephesians 3:20-21
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
We use this benediction for worship like this:
Scriptural Benediction #9: 2 Corinthians 13:11
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Here's a video I created for our church to use this Benediction Prayer from Scripture to dismiss our worship service:
Benediction from the Bible #10: 1 Corinthians 15:58
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Here's a video I created for our church to use this Benediction Prayer from Scripture to dismiss our worship service:
Benediction from the Bible #11: Philippians 4:7
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Here's the Video I made for this one:
Biblical Benediction Prayer #12: Galatians 6:18
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
Here's the Video I made for this one:
Benediction Prayer from the Bible #13: Ephesians 3:20-21
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
Here's the Video I made for this one:
Biblically-Based Benediction For Communion
Some benediction prayers are not from the Bible, but are based on the words of Scripture. This one is one we sometimes use after taking communion together:
And may the peace of God,
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in
the knowledge and love of God
and of His Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you, and remain with you always.
Amen.
Here's a video I created for our church to use this Benediction Prayer from Scripture to dismiss our worship service: