Blessing of the head

Blessing (of) the head

The blessing of the head is an ancient African prayer ritual. It may be used by anyone to request spiritual protection/guidance for a loved one. The ritual may be used for any religion or spiritual direction. The Imani Foundation uses this contemporary "Blessing the head" ritual, based on the ritual from the Yourba culture during our events normally to pray for our (the community's) children.

Follow the directions written in italics and repeat the words written in bold after our ritual leader.

Place your hands on the top of the child's head.

God bless the head so they may think of you.

Place your fingers upon the closed eyes of your child (One hand per eye if possible).

God bless the eyes so they may see your way.

Place the fingers upon the nose of your child (one hand per side of the nose if possible).

God bless the nose so they may breathe your spirit.

Place your fingers on your child's lips.

God bless the mouth so they may speak your words.

Place your hands to cover the face of your child.

God bless the face so they may face you.

Place our hands on the shoulders of your child.

God bless my child.