Do you remember the day you learned your first grandchild was coming? Like most grandparents, my initial response was joy, followed by emotions that bounced from exhilaration to a deep conviction of the responsibilities that come with raising a child. How about you? My guess is that you experienced a similar range of emotions. 

We ponder the kind of person a child will become as an adult, what talents they will inherit, and what skills they will master. We plan to support their parents, lavishing our precious little ones with gifts, starting education funds, and spending time with them. This is all good, but we have something far more valuable to give. Inevitably, as believers our thoughts turn to hope that our grandchild will come to faith in Christ and accept the gift of eternal life.

God does not mince words. He commands us to pass our faith to our children and to our children’s children. This is clearly stated in Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV), where we are instructed to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to teach them to the generations that follow. Far more than a suggestion, it is a beautiful command that stretches the Lord’s blessing over future generations as stated in Psalm 78:1-8, (NIV). We see an example of a blessing in Deuteronomy 33 (NLT) when Moses prayed a blessing over the tribes of Israel.

Another powerful example can be found in Numbers 6:22-26 (NIV), which is Aaron’s Blessing over Israel, spoken at a time of dedication. It reads, in part: 

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

Many of the blessings recorded in the Bible take place at a pivotal time of life. Genesis records the prayer Jacob prayed over his sons, as well as over Joseph’s sons at the end of his life. Hannah prayed a prayer of thanks upon learning she would be the mother of Samuel. And who can forget the passage in Luke where Mary prayed worshipfully upon learning she would become the mother of Jesus? 

A prayer of blessing over a child is a significant event. Treat it accordingly.

• Spend time asking the Lord to guide what to pray. Remember that a prayer of blessing is your way of asking the Lord to guide a grandson or granddaughter throughout their lives, and to keep their hearts open to him. 
• Set aside time during a special event, a family gathering, a birthday, a holiday, or whenever you and your grandchild are together. You might also present your grandchild with a printed, possibly framed, copy of your prayer as a keepsake.
• There is no single set of words to use in a blessing. It is more important that your prayers over a child are heartfelt. Remember, this is a child you know personally and love deeply.

Here is an example of a prayer blessing. Use it as a guide to say what only you can say. Insert prayers about what you know and have observed about their personality, and details about their talents that make them unique.

My Dear [Child/Name],

I praise God for allowing me to be a part of your life, and for blessing me by allowing you to be part of my life. 

I ask the Lord to shine His face upon you, as you seek His face throughout each day. 

I pray you will feel His gentle presence during times of trial and temptation, as well as during times of overwhelming joy. 

May you learn to walk in His ways early in life so He will guide your steps throughout life. 

May your life bring light to this dark world and hope to future generations yet to be born.

May you be mightily blessed by the Lord in this prayer today.

Plan ahead when you will deliver your blessing. Ask God to guide your plans. Set a time and place – with or without other family members – where you and your grandchild would feel comfortable. Relax. Pray from your heart.