Blessings can be a helpful invocation, a prayer, a wish or a hope. Blessings are frequently used to help in coping when people are facing challenging times.

In certain cultures and religions, “Blessing” is the term used for what others call “Prayer” or talking to a divine power. Blessing is also the term used for saying grace before a meal. Blessings are also used as a benediction or a ceremonial prayer to ask for protection from a divine source.

Many blessings seem to be a cross between a poem and a prayer. They may be used in private as part of lighting a candle or in more public rituals and ceremonies.

Many of these blessings are so immersed in our cultures and traditions that their origins are difficult to find. This article looks at a collection of blessings from different cultures and religions.

Traditions of Blessings

Blessings have been used by different cultures and religions as an intervention for promoting health and alleviating symptoms or curing disease. Some of the cultures and religions in which blessings (or prayers) are used are Irish, Native American, Buddhist, Islamic and Jewish.

Uses of Blessings

Blessings can be a helpful invocation, a prayer, a wish or a hope. Blessings are frequently used when people are facing challenging times in the healing process, especially when a person is trying to cope with illness or during the dying process.

Many people find prayers and blessings to be beneficial coping tools for those dealing with end-of-life. Blessings, invocation and meditation-type prayers can be particularly helpful for those who are dying and those who are caring for them.

General Blessings, Peace, Healing, Comfort

This collection of traditional blessings from Buddhist, Irish, Native American and Islamic traditions may be useful references for later, or may serve as inspiration to write a personal blessing.

Take a few moments to read through these blessings.

General Blessings

Buddhist Blessing for All Beings

May everyone be happy and safe,

and may their hearts be filled with joy.

May all living beings live in security and in peace

beings who are frail or strong,

tall or short, big or small,

visible or not visible, near or far away,

already born or yet to be born.

May all of them dwell in perfect tranquility.

Let no one do harm to anyone.

Let no one put the life of anyone in danger.

Let no one, out of anger or ill will,

wish anyone any harm.

Metta Sutta (Stuttanipata)

Translated by Thich Nhat Hahn

Irish Blessing for Blessings and Happiness

May your troubles be less

And your blessings be more.

And nothing but happiness

Come through your door.

Apache Blessing Beauty

May the sun bring you new energy every day.

May the moon softly restore you by night.

May the rain wash away your worries.

May the breeze blow new strength into your being.

May you walk gently through the world

and know its beauty all the days of your life.

Navajo Blessing for Beauty

As I walk, as I walk

The universe is walking with me

In beauty it walks before me

In beauty it walks behind me

In beauty it walks below me

In beauty it walks above me

Beauty is on every side

As I walk, I walk with Beauty.

Sufi Blessing of Love & Peace

May the blessings of love be upon you

May its peace abide with you

May its essence illuminate your heart

Now and forever more....

Irish Blessing for Challenges and Adversity

When the wind is howlin' in everyone's ears,

May you hear a soft, lilting breeze.

And if the rain is crashin' down,

May it only be dew at your knees.

If the ground 'neath your feet should quiver and shake,

I hope you'll be standin' with ease.

And never go hungry or wantin' for much;

May God grant you all that you need!

Interfaith Healing Blessing for the Healing Journeys

Help us to keep the vigil for healing

in sacred space and holy time.

We give thanks for those whose gifts and training

empower them to care for the body;

nurses, doctors, physical and respiratory therapists,

those who prepare food and clean rooms,

those who care at the bedside and behind the scenes.

Bless all family members and friends who keep the vigil

in prayer in waiting rooms and hospital corridors.

Grant them your peace.

We are all in need of your healing presence

each day of our lives.

Help us to watch, wait, and listen for your blessings in the midst of our healing journeys.

© 1996. Reverend Susan Copeland

Used with Permission.

Comforting Blessing

May you see the light in the darkness during these challenging times.

May you feel the loving presence of those who hold you in their thoughts and prayers.

May your spirit find what it needs to sustain you on this journey.

May you discover your inner strength and face all difficulties with dignity and grace.

May you be filled with comfort, love, strength, grace and a lasting sense of peace.

© 2005. Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT

Resources:

The World Prayers Project. World Prayers.

Dyer KA. 2002. 911: Blessings. Journey of Hearts.

Schwing J. 2002. Blessing at the Beginning of Life. Healing Blessing in the Intensive Care Nursery. Chaplaincy Institute.

© Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT