A Father’s Hands

Too often children view their father’s hands as weapons to inflict pain when they do wrong. Though it is necessary to discipline children from time to time, Christian fathers should never be ‘slappers.’ Indeed, our hands should primarily be to them instruments of good.
Recently I heard a pastor share a practice he and his wife did for their children during all their growing up years. Each night he would place his hands on each child’s head and pray a blessing on them.
My first reaction was that, though good, it seemed excessive. Even a good thing when done too often can become meaningless. However, the testimonies he shared said otherwise. On one occasion when he had to be gone, his 12 year-old daughter asked how many nights he would be away. He said he would be gone 24. “Then you have to give me 24 blessings,” she said. Obviously this was more than a ritual to her. Other children shared that this practice gave them a sense of security, a sense of the Lord’s presence in their lives, a sense of belonging and approval, and a motivation for making right choices.
As I compared this with Scripture, I was reminded of the power of a parental blessing, especially from a father. Think how hard Rebekah worked to get her husband to bless her favorite son. Jacob blessed his grandsons and said things that were prophetic. In fact, the Psalmist indicates that blessing each other was a normal practice. (Psalm 129:8) Now read this story from the life of Christ. “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, (lit. great indignation. He was upset with them!) and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16)
We have a perfect example to follow so start doing this now, today. First, find a Scripture blessing that is appropriate for your child. Numbers 6:24-26 is a good start. In the New Testament, you will find many benediction blessings in the epistles. (Romans 15:4-6, 13; 16:25-27, etc.) Then personalize it. “The Lord bless and keep you, Johnny. The Lord make his face shine upon you, Susey, and be gracious unto you, etc.” Then go to your child and tell him that you would like to pray God’s blessing upon him. Place your hands on his head, and pray this blessing. Do this as a public (to him) declaration that you are trusting God to bless him in answer to your prayer. Do it often. Then start watching for His answer.