Summary of the Prayers of Ruth — with example prayers

The story itself, as we have seen, is a story of loss and grief, finding and joy. By the end of the story, we find that it is not just an interesting and moving story; it is the story of the great-grandparents of King David—the greatest king in the history of Israel. This may not matter much to us, but it mattered to the original writer and readers!

The book begins with an intercession and a vow, both demonstrating the selflessness and faithfulness of two of the main characters (1.8–9; 1.17). Amid loss and suffering, their concern is for each other. What a fantastic attitude to have in prayer!

The rest of the prayers in the book of Ruth are all blessings. Three are by Boaz, two by Naomi, one by a group of people at the city gate, and a final prayer by women of the town. Three are blessings pronounced upon Ruth, two upon Boaz, and one each upon Naomi and the workers of the field of Boaz.

Boaz, a leader, shows his deep faith and kindness as he pronounces a blessing upon his workers (2.4). Later, when Boaz hears what Ruth has done for her mother-in-law, he asks for a blessing upon her, too (2.12), then blesses Ruth after she takes bold actions to secure a future for herself and Naomi (3.10).

After hearing of Boaz’s actions, Naomi’s blesses him on two different occasions (2.19, 20).

The last two prayer-blessings are by groups of people, and perhaps this is fitting in a story that deals with the ancestors of the great King David. The people at the city gate bless Ruth and her future children (4.11–12). Later, after the marriage, Ruth’s pregnancy, and the birth of a son, the women of the village pronounce a blessing (4.14).

What do we learn from these many prayers? Like Boaz and Naomi, we can strive to make a practice of blessing those whom we greet, offer blessings at good news, and offer blessings upon those who act with honor and sacrifice. It may not always be our initial reaction to launch into a prayer-blessing, yet the story of Ruth is full of examples we can emulate.

Likewise, we learn about the depth that blessings can contain. A blessing can be short and with a single purpose: “bless you for your good work,” or “blessings to you in your job interview tomorrow.” But they can also include the reasons for the blessing, and even address elements of the past, present, and future as they relate to the blessing, just as the women did for Naomi and Ruth did (4.11–12, 14).

The book of Ruth, despite its brevity, teaches us much about prayer, and especially about blessings. It is a story in which people turn to prayer, whether in struggle, grief, joy, or fulfillment.

From what we have learned, here is an example of a blessing prayer you might offer.

Father God, bless <person> in all they do. May they see your way, may they act accordingly, and may you reward them generously.

God in Heaven, spread your blessings upon <person>, who is suffering but remains faithful to you. May they see your blessings and rejoice in thanksgiving.

God, Father, and Creator of All, I ask that you bless <person>, who has been a good friend to me in times of need. They are the embodiment of your values. Blessing them richly, I ask.

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