… Oh, Lord, we pray. Make it safe by night and day.”
Stories abound about frightened children, and stir-crazy adults, “sheltering in place” as a precaution. It is so hard to combat an invisible enemy. Many people remain afraid, even in their own homes.
But what if, in this time of uncertainty, we began to deliberately bless our spaces, as is our right and our privilege as children of the King? Here are some prayers to pray over your home and family.
Dear Father,
Please bless our home; may Your light, love and life reside here.
Anoint our home; may we find the peace and refuge we seek.
Bless our living space; may we create rest and restoration here.
Watch over our sleep; may we enjoy comfort and renewal.
Bless our finances; may we cherish and care for this place.
O Holy One, live with us, come abide here. Amen.
(a prayer modified from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
For your goodness and generosity in giving us all we need,
Help us to praise you O God.
In every circumstance of life, in good times and bad,
Help us to trust you, O God.
In love and faithfulness, with all that we have and all that we are,
Help us to serve you, O God.
As we speak or write or listen to those nearby or far away,
Help us to share your love, O God.
In our plans and work for ourselves and for others,
Help us to glorify you, O God.
In every thought and word and deed,
by the power of your Holy Spirit,
This week, may we live for you, O God.
This prayer originated at bettergatherings.com.
Some sources attribute it to St John Chrysostom.
And finally, this blessing based on the High Priestly Prayer in Number 6, because we are the designated priests in our own homes:
The Lord bless “us” and keep “us;”
the Lord make his face shine on “us,” and be gracious to us;
the Lord turn his face towards “us” and give “us” peace;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among “us” and remain with “us” always.
Amen.
And maybe, when we have finished blessing, we can pray this prayer:
Dear God,
I want to take a minute
not to ask for anything from You,
but to simply say thank You for all I have.
Amen