4. Nineteenth-century exposés suggest that there was originally
some variety in the phrasing used to bless different parts of the body. The
following alternative blessings have been reported:
your eyes, that you may see the glory of God
-OR-
your eyes, that you may see the glories
of the kingdom
your mouth, that you may speak forth His praise
your arms and breast, that you may be strong to perform His work
your bosom, that you might nourish the children whom you shall
raise
your loins, that you might raise up a godly seed, that they might
be pillars of strength to the upbuilding and strengthening of God’s
kingdom upon the earth
your feet, that you may be swift to run the race
-OR-
your feet, that
they might be swift in the paths of righteousness and truth