A closing prayer, otherwise known as a benediction prayer, has a long and rich history. Whether it’s a short closing prayer or a long one, each has meaning. Any closing prayer should encapsulate what you want to leave the congregation with, such as faith, peace, or wisdom.
It can be helpful to have a list of closing prayers ready and in the back of your mind. A closing prayer can fit at the end of a worship song or at the end of a full service. It should always be a blessing to the congregation. Let’s dive in and discover the history of benedictions and we’ll also give you sample closing prayers.
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
History of Closing Prayers
The apostle Paul ends his letter to the Philippians like he ends all of his epistles, with a benediction: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit”. Similar words are spoken at the end of a service when the pastor raises their hands and pronounces a benediction upon God’s people. But what exactly is a benediction?
While the benediction is an old practice in Christian worship and is found at the end of every Pauline epistle, many Christians are unclear on its meaning and treat it as little more than a pious way of ending a worship service.
The benediction is God’s Word to us, both in Scripture and during the weekly public gathering. Each week, God pronounces his benediction upon us, telling us that his promise, and not our experience, gets the final word to all who are in Him.
Benedictions in the Bible
First, let’s look at benedictions and closing prayers in the Bible. The word of God is alive and present, so why stray far?
Numbers 6:24-26
‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turns his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
Ephesians 3:16-21
“I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Psalm 23:6
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Colossians 3:15-17
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Sample Closing Prayers
A closing prayer for a Church meeting is as important as its opening counterpart, as it guides the participants as they leave for other activities. All Church meetings should call for closing prayers no matter how short it takes or whatever matters are being discussed during the gathering.
It can take some time to practice leading a closing prayer before a Church gathering when asked to. However, the above example can help you avoid embarrassment and self-doubt when leading a closing prayer for a Church meeting.
Benediction prayers are an expression of goodwill. They are often used in the religious sense of prayer and blessing at the end of a church service. Therefore, a closing prayer and benediction go hand in hand. Here are the best examples of benediction prayers.
Closing Prayer for Blessing
Lord, thank you for your abundant love and care for us. Thank you for forgiving our sins, even for the sins we do not realize we commit. Lord, please fill us with your wisdom and your compassion for others. May you bless us with your never-ending love. May you fill our cups with joy and may our lands overflow with your abundance. Lord, please help us to serve you in all we do. Help us to honor you both today and every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Thankfulness Prayer
Father, we want to thank you for being with us throughout today. Your presence has been in this place from the start to the end, and we want to say thank you. Lord, as we leave this place, let us go out there and be the salt and light. May we put into practice what we have discussed and learned. Help us to make a difference in this world for the glory of your name. Lord, where we drifted and said things that do not bring glory to your name we ask you to forgive us. In Jesus’ name, we believe and pray, Amen.
God’s Grace Be with Us Prayer
Father, we thank you that you shower us with your favor and always do what is best for us. We are so blessed to enter into your presence right now because of your grace. We thank you that through your grace, you have given each of us different gifts to serve you and each other. You equip us for the good of the body of Christ. You are working within each of us individually to grow your body, the church. We thank you for the truths we have learned today. As we leave this meeting to go forth to serve, may your grace be with us all. Amen.
Fellowship
Father, we thank you for this time we’ve had together in your presence. Lord help us to remember in the hustle and bustle of daily life that our time together and our time with you is ultimately what matters most. Help us to carve out time in our busy schedules for fellowship, to encourage one another, and point one another toward you. Help us to value our brothers and sisters in Christ and to see our need for one another. Thank you for making us one family under you. We love you, Lord. Amen.
Peace
Heavenly Father, there is so much in the world around us that we can’t comprehend right now. At times like this, life feels overwhelming until we are reminded that you are in control. Help us to practice patience when things seem bleak, to remember that you are the God who makes a way when there seems to be no way. Bless us with your perfect peace, Father. Help us to rest in you and trust in your timing. In your name, we ask these things, Amen.
Faith
Jesus, we thank you for loving us despite our many stumbles and failings. Please forgive our missteps and guide us as we seek to serve you wholeheartedly. Lord, please help us to be faithful followers of Christ. Help us never to be ashamed to live our lives according to your commands. We long to be more like you. Please mold us more into your likeness every day. Thank you for your love and faithfulness to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Protection
God, as we finish up this gathering, we want to express our gratitude to you. We leave this place knowing that you are on our side, and nothing bad will happen to us. And we choose to put our confidence in you and not man. We lift our eyes to you O Lord because our help comes from you. Lord, help us to fear you and walk in your ways that we may not give room for the enemy to take control of our lives. Be our covering and a wall of fire as we leave this place and go back to our various destinations. In Jesus’ name, we believe and pray, Amen.
Worship
Father, we thank you for this time we could spend in your presence today. Help us remember that you have given us more than we could have ever asked for or even imagined. Help us to continually turn our eyes to you in worship and adoration. For you are the Alpha and the Omega, king overall. We thank you for all you bless us with, the family and friends you surround us with. We thank you for the freedom we find in you. In your name, we pray, Amen.
Gratitude
With hearts full of gratitude, we close today. We’re thankful for the opportunity to gather, learn, and grow in your love. May our hearts be filled with your grace as we depart from this place. We appreciate the wisdom shared and the connections made. Bless each person here and grant us the strength to carry your message into the world. In your name, we express our thanks and say, Amen.
Parting Prayer
Father, thank you for this time that we have spent together learning more about you and worshiping your name. As we leave this place today, may we be committed to worshiping and serving you in our daily lives. Lord, show us ways that we can bless others each day. Help us to see you in the monotony of the mundane; help us to see your blessings around us in the simple, small things that bring us joy each day. As we leave this place, please fill us with peace. Help us to go forth with joy that can only come from you. Amen.
Wisdom
Lord, we praise you, for in you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We thank you for giving us your supernatural wisdom to enlighten us throughout this meeting. Thank you for giving us an understanding of the materials we discussed. Thank you for guiding us in the areas where we need to take action. We ask that you continue to direct us as we follow through on decisions we made. May your wisdom continue to guide us as we go our separate ways. Amen.
Call to Love
Dear Lord, as we bring this meeting to a close, we’re reminded of your call to love one another. Thank you for the reminders of compassion and empathy that have surfaced during our time together. May these virtues guide us in our interactions with others. We’re grateful for the insights gained and the connections fostered. Bless us as we depart, and may your love shine through us. Amen.
Celtic blessing
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. And may the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Summary
A closing prayer is a great responsibility and aren’t just words to say quickly as people are leaving. They are words of blessing and protection. Prepare and pray before each service, asking God what He wants to say to His people.
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