[Grammar] When we pray for someone or express our good wishes.

[Aamir Tariq]

We normally say
May God help you. (correct)

We don't say
May God helps you. (incorrect)

But we do say. God helps those who help themselves.

So when we add "May" in a sentence we don't follow the rules that are followed while constructing present simple or present indefinite tenses. Is that correct? And why those rules are not followed in this case?

Regards
Aamir the Global Citizen

 

[GoesStation]

May is a modal auxiliary verb followed by a bare infinitive. In this usage, it establishes an imperative statement.

 

[Skrej]

On a side note, I don't normally associate 'may God help you' as an expression of blessing. I would use that more as an expression of pity.

"May God bless you" would be more appropriate for conveying good wishes, or even health.