cross and shadows
Oh, Blest the House:
Taking a Look at the New 'Blessing of a Home'

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 ESV)

With these bold words, Joshua confessed the living God to be his own, even in the face of an idolatrous Israel. Times haven't much changed. All around us the world pursues its idols, beckoning us and our families away from Christ. How can we keep ourselves and our loved ones close to Christ and firm in the faith?

A great place to begin is in the home-with the new “Blessing of a Home” rite to be included in the LSB Agenda. This rite is designed to be used primarily when a family moves to a new home (perhaps as part of a housewarming get-together), but it may also be used on an annual basis-especially during the Epiphany season, in light of the visitation of the Magi to the home of the infant Christ (Matt. 2:1-11).

The rite begins with the pastor, family, and friends gathered together in the living room. A psalm is sung or spoken, then a reading from the family Bible is read. A brief homily may follow, then the hymn, “Oh, Blest the House, Whate'er Befall,” is sung by all.

Following the hymn, the assembled gathering moves from room to room, stopping in each for family members and guests to read selected portions of Scripture and prayers. (See below.) Readings and prayers are provided for the living room, entrance to the home, bedrooms, study, family room, and kitchen/dining room. After the various rooms have been blessed by the Word of God and prayer, the Lord's Prayer is prayed, a concluding collect and blessing is said, and the rite concludes with the singing of the first stanza of “Now Thank We All Our God.”

St. Paul wrote: “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the Word of God and prayer” (1 Tim. 4:4-5). The “Blessing of a Home” is a great way for a family to rejoice in their life together in a new home, or for a family to renew their lives together under the Word of God.
               HOUSE BLESSINGS

Pastor would be happy to do house blessings for any who desire them this Epiphany season.  Just call or e-mail (Pastor) and he'll schedule a visit.  Lutheran Service Book Agenda notes:  "Homes may be blessed annually.  Usually this is done during the season of Epiphany due to the connection of the visitation of the Magi to the home of the infant Christ."
House Blessings...
Epiphany House Blessings

The Lutheran Service Book Agenda reminds us "Homes may be blessed annually. Usually this is done during the season of Epiphany due to the connection of the visitation of the Magi to the home of the infant Christ." (p. 313)

If any member of St. Paul's would like for me to bless their home during January or February, please let me know as soon as possible, and we'll schedule the blessing.


"Drive from here the snares of the evil one and send Your holy angel to guard, protect, visit and defend all who dwell in this home. Mercifully hear their prayers and, when their last hour comes, grant them safe haven in Your heavenly mansions; through Jesus Christ our Lord!" -- Lutheran Service Book Agenda,
page 319.
                                           SAMPLE BLESSINGS OF A ROOM

One or more of the following rooms may be blessed. All those assembled move in procession throughout the house, stopping in each room for the following readings and prayers where appropriate. Family members and guests may serve as readers (R).

  Kitchen/Dining Room

R    You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord               your God, who has dealt wondrously with you (Joel 2:26a ESV).

P    Give us ever grateful hearts for daily bread, O Lord, and keep us ever                   mindful of the needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C   Amen.      

  Entrance to the Home

R    God settles the solitary in a home. Therefore welcome one another as                 Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God (Ps. 68:6a; Rom. 15:7 ESV).

P    Lord God, protect and guide those who live here as they come and go. Let           them show hospitality to all who visit this home, so that those who enter             here may find peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C   Amen.

   Bedroom

R    In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me               dwell in safety (Ps. 4:8 ESV).

P    For each new morning and its light
     For rest and shelter of the night,
     For health and food, for love and friends,
     For every gift Your goodness sends,
     We thank You, gracious Lord.

C   Amen.

  Study

R    Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous           man, and he will increase in learning (Prov. 9:9 ESV).

P    O Lord, You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach us to know              wisdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C   Amen.

   Family Room

R    Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is                 just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if               there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about             these things (Phil. 4:8 ESV).

P    Lord of all creation, give us a right judgment in all things, that we may                 rejoice in all that is good and be defended against all that is evil, through             Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C   Amen.