Blessing G-d

Many times a day we say brachot that begin with a statement blessing G-d. I understand that we often praise him, but it seems presumptuous for us to bless him. Why do we humans bless the Almighty?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question and, in fact, there are multiple answers to your question!

Let’s begin with a famous Talmudic passage

In Berachot 7a the Talmud says: “Rabbi Yishmael ben Elisha [who served as the High Priest] says: “I once entered the innermost part of the Temple to offer incense and had a vision of the Crowned God, The Lor-d of Hosts, seated upon a high and exalted throne. He said to me: ‘Ishmael, My son, bless Me!’ I replied: ‘May it be Your will that Your compassion overcome Your anger. May Your compassion prevail over Your other attributes. May You deal with Your children compassionately. May You not judge us solely with strict justice!’ And God nodded to me.”

We learn from here that even the blessing of those lower than us on the spiritual ladder should not be taken lightly. In fact, the Talmud specifically says this in another place. As such, even God takes our blessings with appreciation.

Another answer to your question (not to marginalize the answer just given!) is that “Baruch Ata Hashem…” is not mean to be read that we are blessing G-d, but rather, it is meant to convey that “God is the source of all blessings.” Another approach has it that the “Baruch Ata…” of blessings is a prayer that God continue to be blessed by those who serve Him. (See also Mishna Tamid 5:1)

So not only do we indeed bless G-d and praise Him, we actually pray that we able to do so. For example, every Shemoneh Esrei prayer begins with “O Lord, open my lips, 'and my mouth will declare your praise.”(Psalm 51:15).

So yes, to answer your question, not only do we seek blessing from G-d, He also seeks blessings from us!