Photo by Dorcha 2008 |
I was blessed and honored when a dear friend who has gone
through many life changes asked me to say a prayer at the housewarming
celebration for her new home. Writing this prayer helped me to realize how we can
consecrate our lives to Him in all that we do, transforming our home into a holy
place of worship where He is Lord, Shepherd, and dearest Friend.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for our beloved sister
in Christ, for her sweet spirit in loving and serving You and in welcoming with
hospitality and with love all who are gathered here to her new home (Romans 12:10-13; 1 Peter 4:8-9).
May all who enter these doors be blessed by Your Presence
and be a blessing to her and to her friends and family, as you have promised
that when we open our home to others, we may entertain angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).
May angels protect our sister, her home, and all who
enter it (Psalm 91:9-11),
knowing that our true dwelling place is in You (John 15:3-7). May this home be a shelter from the storms
and a warm, inviting haven for her and for all her guests. Please keep them
safe, healthy, prosperous, and in Your perfect will.
Your mercies are new every morning (Lamentations
3:22-23), and we ask that you would bring your daughter
the hope and joy of beginning a new life in this new home. May she awaken each
morning refreshed, for You have promised sound sleep to Your beloved (Psalm 127:2).
As she dresses and prepares for each new day, may she
remember to put on the whole armor of God to be able to withstand the devil (Ephesians 6:11-18). May she be cleansed
in the fountain of Your Living Waters (Revelation
7:17), clothed in Your righteousness (Job 29:14; Isaiah 61:10), and adorned with a meek and
humble spirit, which is of great value in Your eyes (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:4).
As she leaves these doors, may she acknowledge You in all
her ways so that You will direct her paths (Proverbs
3:5-6). As she walks into her yard, may she take time to appreciate the
special love notes You write for her each day in Your still, small voice (1
Kings 19:12). May she recognize and appreciate You in the warmth of the
sun, the beauty of nature surrounding her home, the sweet song of a sparrow,
the grace of butterflies dancing in the air, and a rainbow of flowers sparkling
in the dew (Psalm 19:1).
When she returns home, may she find it a special refuge
of relaxation filled with Your grace (Isaiah
32:17-18), where there is quiet so that she can be still and know that
You are God (Psalm 46:10). No
matter what trials she had to face that day, may You give her the peace that
passes all understanding as she seeks You in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), for You are the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
As our dear sister cheerfully honors You with her giving
(2 Corinthians 9:7), may her
cupboards and closets be well-stocked and full of needed provisions (Proverbs 3:9-10; 21:20),
for You have promised to supply the needs of Your children (Philippians 4:19). May every meal
she prepares, serves and enjoys here be nourishing and healthful to the body,
blessed by You.
As she breaks bread at her table, may all who partake
remember that Your body was broken for us (Matthew
26:26; Mark 14:22), to pay the price for all our sins (1 John 2:2;4:10), so that
all those who place their faith in Your death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only
Way to Heaven (John 14:6) will
have eternal life (John 3:16).
May this home be filled with Your spiritual and material blessings
(Deuteronomy 28:2;; Proverbs 10:22;
Ephesians 1:3), with the sound of joyful laughter (Psalm 126:2), new songs of thanksgiving and praise (Exodus 15:2; Psalm
28:7;33:4;40:3) and
conversation that is pleasing to You (James
3:13; 17-18).
May this home thrive with the encouragement and support
of friends (Galatians 6:2; Ecclesiastes
4:9-12), especially with the Friend Who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), with family
fellowship, and with Your Word (Psalm 1:1-3;
119:105). May it be bright with Your radiant light dispelling any
darkness (Exodus 10:22-23; 1
John 1:5).
May Your child use her time here wisely and productively,
honoring You in all that she does (Colossians
3:23), whether it is a prayer of thanks as she washes the dishes (Ephesians 5:20), or a prayer for
wisdom as she balances the household budget (James 1:5). May she be a good and faithful steward of this
house and property, its contents, its resources, and all the many blessings You
have provided (1 Peter 4:8-10; 1
Corinthians 4:2)).
When the day is over and she goes to bed, may she have
peaceful sleep and sweet dreams, knowing that You work all things together for
good for those who love You (Romans 8:28).
May she experience the joyful anticipation that this could be the night You
return to bring your children home, that we would be caught up to meet You in
the air (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1
Thessalonians 4:14-17), and that You would wipe every tear from our
eyes (Revelation 7:17).
2
Samuel 7:29 Therefore
now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue
for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it: and with thy
blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.
We thank you for providing this home, these friends, the
joy of knowing You, and Your many blessings to our dear sister. We ask all
these things in Jesus’ precious Name,
Amen.
© 2013 Laurie Collett
24 comments:
Laurie I am changing my email provider but cannot see a link on your blog to subscribe by email
gemmill.mary@gmail.com
Dear Laurie,
That was one long, beautiful prayer of dedication. I hope she settles in her new home very quickly, and yes, keeping her eyes fixed on Jesus and looking for the day of redemption, i.e. the Rapture of the saints.
God bless.
Today in my church was Harvest Celebration or - Thanksgiving Day. So I thank You for this post, giving me new sight into consecrated life. Greetings from still warm Cracow! :)
Thanks for the update, Mary! I'm sorry the blog doesn't have that link, but I've added your new address to the email list.
May you have a blessed week!
Laurie
Dear Frank,
Thank you for your uplifting comment, and may we all keep looking up for His imminent return!
God bless,
Laurie
Blessed Harvest Celebration Day to you and your church, Zim! Thank you for your lovely comment, and greetings to you! Hope you are enjoying the warm weather!
Laurie
Really wonderful prayer with scripture references that I plan on saving. Thanks you! I'm right next to you at Scripture and a Snapshot this week.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth -- I'm glad you were blessed by the prayer and Scripture!
Love in Him,
Laurie
What a beautiful prayer Laurie, not only speaking of how we should be in the Lord, but also of many promises that we are blessed with in Him.
I, and I am sure every other reader of this prayer say 'Amen' to it for your friend as she settles in her new home.
May God bless your friend and yourself
That was such a nice prayer, and I'm sure your friend was very pleased that you took so much care in creating it. Thank you for sharing and congrats to your friend!
Thank you for linking up to Super Sunday Sync!
Great prayer, Laurie.
Thank you, Brenda for your sweet comment and agreement in prayer! My friend is blessed to hear of all the prayers and good wishes directed her way.
Many blessings to you,
Laurie
Thanks, Rosey, for your lovely comment & for hosting! God bless,
Laurie
Thanks, Donald! God bless,
Laurie
Laurie - this is beautiful! My oldest son and wife are buying a house soon - and I would love to pray this over their house:) What a blessing you gave your friend! So glad you shared it here!
Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I would be blessed and honored to hear that you prayed this over your son's new home! Best wishes to them and God bless all of you!
Laurie
That was a marvelous prayer for a friend and an inspiration to pray for my house to. Claiming the promise of God's words in our lives. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Joy! Praise God that we can stand on His promises, knowing that He is faithful!
Many blessings to you,
Laurie
Hi Laurie! What a beautiful and faithful prayer! I think you covered every aspect of life in a home, I am sure there were tears in the eyes of your friend. I especially loved the 'entertaining angels unaware' and the sleeping.
You have a wonderful way with prayer, my friend.
Blessings!
Ceil
Thanks, Ceil, for your uplifting comment! I really appreciate your encouragement -- you are a blessing!
May you have a blessed weekend!
Laurie
Thanks for sharing your lovely prayer and scripture references. You've enriched my walk today. Thank you sister in Christ. :-)
His blessings,
Kim @ Curtain Queen Creates
Thanks so much, Kim, for your visit and lovely comment! I am blessed to hear that you enjoyed the post!
Love in Him,
Laurie
Lovely post! - Thanks for linking up to my “Themed Blog & Shop Hop!”
Angie
godsgrowinggarden.com
Thanks so much, Angie, for hosting & for your comment!
God bless,
Laurie
Post a Comment