In ceremonial usage, making a sign of the cross may be, according to the context, an act of profession of faith, a prayer, a dedication, or a benediction.
It ends with a promise, and a benediction: "We'll eventually all fall asleep".
Like this one, a gift and a benediction.
And if there be on earth one spot where the grass will grow greener than on another when the hunt, Summer comes, where the leaves of Antumn will shop more lightly which they fall like a benediction upon a work completed and promise fulfilled, it is these soldiers' graves.
Ms. Dinnerstein's parting gesture, the Aria from the "Goldberg" Variations, was less an encore than a benediction.
"One Tree Hill" was received favourably by critics, who variously described it as "a soft, haunting benediction", "a remarkable musical centrepiece", and a celebration of life.
"For Islam and Christianity, wealth is a malediction and poverty a benediction.
But the last word belonged to Sen. Cruz, who ended his emotional speech with a quiet benediction: "Goodnight stars.
There's a sort of benediction and a sweet sadness in that imagery.
At the end of the narrative, Ahalya's hymn is prescribed as an ideal benediction for a devotee to gain Rama's favour.
He holds a scroll and makes a gesture of benediction.
