Benedictions from Around the World: Historical Blessings for Worship
Historical Benedictions from Around the World
Benedictions are blessings spoken at the close of worship, sending God's people forth with grace, peace, and strength. While many beloved benedictions come directly from Scripture, the history of the church has also given us a rich treasury of prayers passed down through centuries, cultures, and traditions.
From ancient monasteries to vibrant faith communities in Africa, Asia, and South America, Christians have consistently ended worship with words of blessing. These benedictions remind us that worship does not stay inside the sanctuary—it flows outward into our daily lives.
Below is a collection of historical benedictions from around the world, all rooted in the prayers of the church.
Western Liturgical Traditions
Anglican – Book of Common Prayer (1662)
"The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen."
Sarum Primer (c. 1514, England)
"God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in mine eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at mine end, and at my departing."
Roman Rite – Tridentine Missal (1570)
"May almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Gregorian Sacramentary (Early Medieval)
"May the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down upon you and remain forever."
Rule of St. Benedict (6th century)
"May He bring us all together to everlasting life."
Eastern Liturgical Traditions
Byzantine Rite – Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
"May the blessing of the Lord be upon you, through His grace and loving-kindness, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen."
Byzantine Rite – Festal Dismissal
"May Christ our true God, through the prayers of His most pure Mother and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind."
Armenian Divine Liturgy
"May the blessing and mercy of the holy and consubstantial Trinity be with you all. Amen."
Syriac Tradition (West Syriac)
"May the Lord who blesses and sanctifies keep you and confirm you in every good work. May His mercy rest upon you, now and for ever. Amen."
Maronite Usage
"Depart in peace, beloved brothers and sisters, and may the blessing of the most Holy Trinity accompany you and remain with you. Amen."
Celtic and Monastic Traditions
Old Irish Monastic Blessing
"Be thou a bright flame before me,
a guiding star above me,
a smooth path beneath me.
And so may God uphold me, today and always. Amen."
Carmina Gadelica (A. Carmichael, 1900)
"The peace of God be over you to shelter you,
the love of God be in you to bless you,
the light of God be before you to guide you,
and the hand of God be about you to protect you. Amen."
African Traditions
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
"May the peace of the Lord be always with you all. May He bless your coming in and your going out, your sleeping and your waking, now and forevermore."
Coptic Orthodox Church (Egypt)
"May the love of God the Father, the grace of the only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift and fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Go in peace; the peace of the Lord be with you."
South Asian Traditions
Syriac Malankara (India)
"May the Lord bless you and keep you from all harm. May He make you steadfast in true faith, and grant you joy and peace all the days of your life."
Church of South India
"May God the Father bless you, God the Son heal you, God the Holy Spirit give you strength. May God the holy and undivided Trinity guard your bodies, save your souls, and bring you safe to His heavenly country."
St. Thomas Christian (Nasrani, Kerala)
"May Christ who is the true light enlighten you. May He guard you in body and soul, and keep you in peace until we meet again."
East Asian Traditions
Japanese Christian Prayer (Meiji-era Protestant)
"Go forth in peace. May the Lord of heaven guide your steps, the Christ of compassion walk beside you, and the Spirit of truth dwell within you, now and always."
Korean Protestant Tradition (early 20th century)
"May the God of eternal love protect you in trial, strengthen you in faith, and fill you with the hope of everlasting life. Amen."
South American Traditions
Quechua Christian Prayer (Peru)
"May God who made the mountains keep you steady,
may Christ who walked the valleys walk beside you,
may the Spirit who sends the rains bless your harvest and your home. Amen."
Chilean Protestant (20th century)
"Go in peace, for the God of justice goes with you.
Go in hope, for Christ has overcome the world.
Go in love, for the Spirit empowers you to serve. Amen."
Argentine Methodist/Protestant
"May the peace of Christ guard your steps,
may the love of God embrace you,
may the power of the Spirit strengthen you,
today and always. Amen."
Colombian Pentecostal
"May the fire of the Spirit go before you,
may the joy of the Lord be your strength,
may the blessing of the Father cover you as you go in peace."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a benediction?
A benediction is a spoken blessing, usually at the end of a worship service, that sends God's people out with grace and peace.
Are benedictions always from Scripture?
Many benedictions come directly from the Bible, but throughout history the church has also developed liturgical blessings rooted in tradition.
What's the difference between a benediction and a closing prayer?
A closing prayer petitions God; a benediction declares God's blessing.
Can benedictions be used outside of church?
Yes—at weddings, funerals, graduations, and in family prayers.
