In Biblical worship, why does the minister close the worship service with an inspired Benediction, standing with up-lifted hands facing God’s people?
Here is a page of Biblical and historic, reformed resources on the Benediction, a Biblical practice not so easy to find resources on.
Some have said that the Benediction is not a prayer.. While acknowledging the special features of the Benediction, this article demonstrates from Scripture and Westminster that the Benediction is a special prayer:
Fentiman, Travis – The Benediction is a Special Prayer per Scripture and Westminster