Chances are you’ve read in Scripture or heard the above blessing before as it’s commonly quoted in benedictions across churches today. These encouraging words were a Hebrew blessing that priests prayed over their people every morning after the sacrifices at the temple. It was their “sending out” as well as a prayer for God’s present and future peace.The words, “the Lord lift up his countenance (or face) toward you…” provides a picture of God holding us up high in His arms and looking up into our eyes with great love and care as a father would to his child. It is a picture of pure delight, both for the child and for the father.In the Lord’s presence, we find peace for today and peace that is to come. He alone is our peace when everything else around us is uncertain. Not only do we need this blessing prayed over us before we exit the church doors, but we need His light, grace, and peace in our lives every hour of the day.