Bless this House

On Friday, Valentine's Day, after work the staff came over for a quick House Blessing. Since Fr. Clarence was away, the Bishop resided over it. The whole thing was quite lovely but a little more involved than I thought. I figured it'd be a simple prayer, make the sign of the cross, and poof! it's blessed. Not so much. In addition, we blessed Charity, my 8-month pregnant co-worker, and a recently purchased motorcycle by the Foundation.

Afterwards, we had a feast! The kitchen must've thought we were feeding 50 people, not 20. So. Much. Food. It meant leftovers for me!

 {The Bishop joking around before the blessing began.}

{My guard dog}

Blessing of a House

Minister: Peace be to this house, and all who enter. Through wisdom is a house built, and by understanding it is established;

People: The house of righteous shall stand, and by knowledge shall the rooms be filled with riches.

{A makeshift altar set up on my porch}

The Blessing of Light

Minister: Hear the words of the Gospel according to St. Matthew; “you are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden, neither do people light a candle and cover it with a bushel, but put it upon a candlestick that it may give light to the whole house. Let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Minister: O God, whose glory shines as the light in the face of Jesus Christ: Bless, we pray you these candles for the illumination of this place, and grant that as it gives light to all who are in this house, so those who enter here may show forth in their lives the brightness of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The minister sprinkles holy water upon the candles and are lighted. The minister sprinkles Holy Water at the entrance door.

At the Entrance Door

Minister: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock, says the Lord. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come into the house, and eat with you and you with me.” The Lord shall preserve your going out and coming in.

People: From this time forth forever more.

Minister: Sovereign Lord, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end: Send your servants out from this place on many errands, be their constant companion in the way, and welcome them upon their return, so that coming and going they may be sustained by your presence.

Door is opened. Everyone enters.

Blessing of the Living Room

Minister: "A new commandment, I give to you, that you love one another as I have lobed you; by this shall all will know that you are my disciples."

People: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.

Minister: Give your blessing, O Lord, to all who share this room, that they may be knit together in fellowship here on earth, and joined with the communion of your saints in heaven; through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

The candles are placed at the table prepared as altar.

Blessing of the Bedroom

Minister: Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. 

People: "I lie down and go to sleep, I awake again, because the Lord sustains me."

Minister: O God of life and love, the true rest of your people: Sanctify to your servants their hours of rest and refreshment, their sleeping and their waking; and grant that, strengthened by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit, they may rise to serve you all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sprinkle Holy Water and censed the room.

Let this room be hallowed, let every unclean spirit fly hence and depart with the sprinkling of this Holy Water in His name. May health, peace and cheerfulness abide with all who use this room, through Christ our Lord.  

Blessing of Guest Room

Minister: Do not neglect to show hospitality, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.

People: Open your homes to each other with cheerfulness, and employ your gifts from the Lord for the good of others.

Minister: Loving God, you have taught us to welcome one another as Christ welcomed us: bless those who shall share in the hospitality of this home. May your fatherly care shield them, the love of your dear Son preserve them from all evil, and the guidance of your Holy Spirit keep them in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Sprinkle Holy Water and censed the room.

Blessing on Kitchen and Dining

Minister: "You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God who has dealt wondrously with you."

People: The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord: and you give them their food in due season.

Minister: O Lord our God, you supply every need of ours according to your great riches: bless the hands that work in this kitchen, and give us grateful hearts always; and for the food and drink to sustain our lives which we partake in this dining room, make us always mindful of the needs and wants of others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sprinkle Holy Water and censed the room.

Then it was time to bless Charity and the motorcycle.

Then it was time to eat!

Thanks for reading!