Ever get the blahs after you take all your Christmas decorations down? Everything seems so drab and dull? And empty? Or cluttered and all the wrong color? I woke up today feeling like that. I’m tired of my color schemes, tired of too much stuff everywhere. I see painting in my near future if I can just but decide what colors I want for 2009? I think I’ll lighten things up, literally. Light colors, more lighting with generous splashes of color. As I was reading my Treasury of Daily Prayer and my Lutheran prayer book this morning, I came across this prayer for the home that I thought I’d share with you. We should never take for granted, despite how much we want to change certain things, the blessing of a home. (It took an inordinate amount of time to type this as ‘puppy’ was chewing on my arm, hand, bible, book, computer, sweater, and so on. He had Job chapter 5 for breakfast. Wonder how that’ll go down?)
Bless this house…….
Lord God, our home is among the most precious gifts we receive in this life. We realize this all the more as we remember our Lord Jesus. He set aside home and family. Having no place to lay His head throughout His ministry, He chose to sojourn among those He came to save. We prayerfully invite Him to dwell in our earthly home even as He continually invites us by Word and Sacrament to dwell forever in our heavenly home, which He prepares for us.
Make us ever grateful for this shelter from life’s storms. Keep this house always the home of comfort, peace, joy, and forgiveness. According to Your will, protect us not only from the spiritual assaults of Satan, but likewise make our home a fortress against the calamities of nature and the wickedness of sinful men.
Grant us the virtue of hospitality, the joy of harmonious living, and the blessing of gathering around Your word and bringing our families prayers before You. May all who dwell in our home be blessed by Your presence and Your peace, and may all who go forth give thanks for the grace they receive from You through us, Your dear children.