A benediction is a short invocation for divine help, blessing and guidance, usually at the end of church worship service.
Judaic ceremonies at the temple of Jerusalem had ritualised benedictions ("Berachot"). From the earliest church Christians have accorded them ceremonial significance, particularly to end a ritual. Protestants abandoned many of the benedictions of the Roman Catholic Church, including the apostolic benediction by the Pope and his delegates, and benediction of the dying.
A common form of benediction in both Catholic and liturgical Protestant churches is for the worship leader to raise his hands and recite the words of the Priestly Blessing.
Some churches have recently started to reincorporate the use of benedictions in the closing of their church services. Such benedictions may be found in Scripture, written by a church member, or a combination of the two.
[edit] Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
In the Roman Catholic Church and in some Anglican Churches, Benediction usually refers to the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Censing of the Blessed Sacrament during Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and IV Advent Vespers.This involves the display of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance set upon the altar. A significant portion of this liturgy includes singing, prayer (particularly the chanting of the Divine Praises), and the silent worship of Christ's real presence in the consecrated bread. At the end of this liturgy, the celebrant holds the monstrance using a humeral veil worn over the shoulders and covering the hands. The celebrant blesses the congregation with the displayed Host by tracing the sign of the cross with the monstrance held steadily upright before him. This liturgy can be a rite unto itself but is most often celebrated at the close of other liturgies. Incense is often used at the begining and at the end of the Benediction.
[edit] References in Popular Culture
In the MMORPG World of Warcraft, Benediction is the name given to the holy form of a Priest's epic staff.
Similarly, in Final Fantasy XI, White Mages have an ability called Benediction, which restores life to all allies, but can only be called upon once every two hours.
==References in other Religions/Disciplines
Living should be perpetual and universal benediction. - Why Lazurus Laughed by Wei Wu Wei
