Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits— who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103: 1-5)

The English word "bless" comes from very old German for blood. In Anglo-Saxon bloedsian is to sprinkle with blood as a means of consecration. It was an important rite of pre-Christian religious ceremony.

This was a powerful word to adopt in explaining the Christian story. We have been blessed by the spilled blood of Jesus on the cross. We are called to bless God. This blessing has often involved the blood of martyrs.

But to bless is also to wish happiness and to make happy. We seek God's blessing. We are to bless God. Blessing requires boldness: a willingness to risk all and embrace all. God is ready to give all, but we must also be ready to give away as freely and fully.