Blessing! Such a positive and evocative word that speaks of the bestowal and the receiving of goodness and favour. It ought to be spoken and heard frequently in Christian circles but yet many still shy away from even saying it. They often unconsciously say they are ‘lucky’ when something good happens or is done to them. So the very idea of calling it a blessing is alien to them. But the truth is that everyone wants to be blessed, not only with good things in life but also with a positive faith-filled vision about their future. So what can one do about this? Thankfully, help is at hand in this remarkable book by pastor and author Alan Wright.

Straight off, the subtitle of The Power To Bless tells you that this is definitely a how-to book. But a self-help book it certainly isn’t, because self-help implies that one can modify one’s behaviour or a certain outcome in life by following a ‘five-step plan’ or something like that through one’s willpower and effort. Rather, this book seeks to equip Christians with a proper understanding of the power of verbal blessing as taught in the Scripture and with a practical way that we can use to give verbal blessings to others and to ourselves (yes, you read right!). Wright demonstrates from his own inspiring life story and those of others, and his pastoral experience, that it’s a plan that really works because it’s rooted in the God who blesses!

The power of verbal blessing is deeply embedded in Scripture and rooted in the ancient Jewish practice of fathers speaking blessings to their children and grandchildren - pointing out the child’s gifts or virtues and foretelling good things for their future. But there’s one particular blessing - Jacob’s blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh - that Jewish fathers for thousands of years have been blessing their sons with. It’s found in Genesis 48:20:

So he blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will pronounce blessings, saying,
‘God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh.’” Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh.

What was God trying to say when He invoked the name of Ephraim and Manassed in the blessing? I must say I’d often been baffled by this ‘mysterious’ blessing, as had many over the years.

I’m glad I’m no longer puzzled as Pastor Alan - in this book - has provided much-needed clarity on the significance and value of this blessing. The Ephraim and Manasseh Blessing, he says, is prominent and powerful because it reveals four essential gifts that God wants you to receive and share with others. So for the main part of the book he explains what each of these gifts is, what it can do to us and others. Above all, the blessing reveals a beautiful and awe-inspiring portrait of God’s abundant grace for His children.

I especially like that the book gives readers extra bonuses towards the end of it: a personal blessing from Pastor Alan himself and many simple but powerful blessings from the Bible that they can use to craft their own blessings for their loved ones for every situation and season.

If you’ve always wanted to give your children, your grandchildren or your loved ones scriptural and faith-filled blessings but don’t know how, then this book deserves your attention. I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved reading it. It has certainly helped cement my firm and long-held belief that the power of blessing lies in God and His immutable Word.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC e-copy. My review is given voluntarily.

Alan Wright's book, The Power to Bless, offers readers a fresh perspective on the idea of biblical blessing. He takes readers straight to Scripture to see what biblical blessing is, why it's important, and how biblical blessing can free us to live out God's purposes for our lives. More specifically, Wright uses biblical references and personal stories to show how to offer blessing and how it can release people to fulfill their God-given purpose and potential.

I found the book to be eye-opening, encouraging, and helpful. I learned so much about how God created us for blessing and what happens when we don't have that blessing. Sure, we can still function, but oh, the difference it makes when we feel affirmed and encouraged in our God-given gifts and purposes. Not only that, but Wright gave me specific steps to take. He didn't just tell me that blessing is important. He gave simple steps for how to bless people in my life. I can't wait to put it into practice and see how God uses biblical blessing in the lives of my family, friends, and co-workers.

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. Teh opinions expressed are my own.

In The Power to Bless, Alan Wright argues that our growth and maturity in faith is directly tied to the blessings we have received and those we give as well. He works to weave this argument through Scripture. While I can see value in blessing, I was only somewhat persuaded by the arguments made in this book and found it less convincing than I hoped. It was definitely still worth the time and effort to read.

Simple yet profound
I will read this book again and keep it close at hand. Two decades ago I knelt in front of my dad asking him to bless me not fully understanding what I was asking for, but somehow knowing it was very important. Based on the overarching story of scripture, "The Power to Bless" brings light and joy to the critical message of blessing....both for receiving and for giving.

Do you want to be blessed and be a blessing to others?
In his book "The Power to Bless. How to Speak Life and Empower the People you Love", published by Baker Books, Pastor Alan Wright gives insight into the biblical practice of blessing others. The book is divided into three parts: 1) Believing the Blessing, 2) Receiving the Blessing, and 3) Giving the Blessing. In his introduction Alan Wright asks: "Has anyone ever looked you in the eye, affirmed your infinite value, identified your unique gifts, and pointed you toward a God-given destiny? What would it mean to you for someone to speak that sort of positive vision in faith over your life? Think about the people you love. Don’t you long to help them grow and flourish? How might you impact their lives if you became skilled in the practice of blessing? Here’s my point: everyone needs to be blessed. Without blessing, we will have no deep security and feel no real release from past failures. Unblessed, we’ll never be as fruitful as God has planned, and we won’t walk fully in the favor of God."
Wright writes open and honest about experiences and struggles. He shares examples from his own life, from the lives of others, and from the Bible. He has included a "Blessing Worksheet" (Chapter 11) as well as "Blessings from the Bible" (Appendix A) and "Blessings for every season" (Appendix B). This is very helpful for those who want to apply what they have read and for those who are learning to bless others or want to deepen what they are already practicing. The notes at the end of the book can be used for reference or further study. I highly appreciate the fact that Alan Wright gives a detailed and encouraging blessing to the readers in the conclusion of the book. I recommend this book for parents, especially fathers, who want to bless their children, for spiritual parents, for pastors, Christian workers, missionaries, and for everybody who wants to be a blessing to others. It is a great tool for all who want to learn this skill.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ThePowerToBless #NetGalley

The Power to Bless by Alan Wright is a joy to read! It is written beautifully and clearly; its message is inspiring and practical; and the stories illustrate each truth about blessing masterfully. In the midst of all the turmoil of recent times, this book has answers. It will promote unity, gladden hearts and deeply encourage the reader...as well as those touched by the ripple effect of the words on each page.