The practice of priests, prophets, and others pronouncing a blessing goes back to early Biblical history. Melchizedek blessed Abraham in the name of the Lord (Gen 14:19-20). The priests blessed the people of God at Sinai (Lev. 9:22; Num. 6:22-27). At His ascension, the Lord lifted His hands to bless His people (Lk. 24:50-51). Paul ends 2 Corinthians with a blessing upon the church at Corinth (2 Cor. 13:14). Therefore it is proper and fitting to end public worship with a blessing pronounced by the minister upon the people of God.
In all of worship there is a dialogical relationship between God and His people. God calls His people to worship. His people respond with prayer, praise, and confession of faith. God’s people confess their sins to Him and He provides assurance through His Word. God speaks to His people through the reading and preaching of His Word and we respond with more prayer, praise, and giving of tithes. God pronounces His blessing upon His people through the benediction and God’s people respond with “Amen.”
In all of worship there is a dialogical relationship between God and His people. God calls His people to worship. His people respond with prayer, praise, and confession of faith. God’s people confess their sins to Him and He provides assurance through His Word. God speaks to His people through the reading and preaching of His Word and we respond with more prayer, praise, and giving of tithes. God pronounces His blessing upon His people through the benediction and God’s people respond with “Amen.”