"Now I lay me down to sleep...God bless Mommy and Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa..." Thus goes the familiar bedtime prayer of hundreds of thousands of children. But do you realize how much more is involved here than vain repetition of age-old lines? Something powerful happens whenever we bless anybody, even in the innocence of a children's prayer.

One dramatic example is in the book of Hebrews. Chapter eleven is better known as "Faith's Hall of Fame." Many saints who performed mighty feats for God are mentioned... Samson (whose strength brought down pillars), Noah (who built the ark), Abraham, Sarah, David, and many others. It's easy to see why these people are listed as spiritual giants.

But there's Isaac and Jacob. What did they do? They blessed their offspring, and for this they got written up in this "Hall of Faith." This tells us that the faith they exercised in blessing others was just as great as David and others "subduing kingdoms." God says, "By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff" (Hebrews 11:20-21, NKJV).

As you can see, blessing others is very serious business with God. So tonight, as you begin to pray, "God bless Joe, and Pastor Frank and Sister Susie..." take a moment to reflect and believe that every blessing you utter will come to pass!

Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with every spiritual blessing through Christ Jesus, and that as I bless others through Your Son, I can appropriate these blessings for them. May I never ignore or take lightly the power You have given me through prayer. Thank you for giving me the ability to make a difference through blessings of power. In Jesus' Name, Amen!