Pastor Scott’s House Blessing

Theme: Christian & Irish

The Gathering of Friends & Family

Gather all friends and family members into any room in the house or outside of the house in a common area. Anywhere that you desire is fine. I prefer to begin outside if possible. A reading is not necessary in every room, but a short prayer is usually included.

Pastor Begins: We have gathered here today to bless and cleanse the dwelling of ______ and ______ and to ensure peace be with this house and all who live and visit here.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Prayer

Pastor: Let us now pray that the Holy Spirit who lives in and around all of us, will enter this home and bless it with his presence. May he always be here among us; may he nurture our love for each other, share in our joys, and comfort us in our sorrows. Let us seek above all else to create a home that worships the Lord that is filled with love, peace, happiness and joy.

All respond: Amen

Irish Blessing: Bless this house, o Lord, we pray. Make it safe by night and day. Bless these walls so firm and stout, keeping want and trouble out. Bless the roof and chimney tall, let thy peace lie over all. Bless the doors that they may prove ever open to joy and love. Bless the windows shining bright, letting in God's heavenly light. Bless the hearth a-blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer.
Bless the people here within; keep them pure and free from sin. Bless us all, that one-day, we
may be fit, O lord, to dwell with Thee.

We light a candle to spiritual enrichment. (Light a candle.)

After the prayer and reading, all go from room to room, offering prayers of intercession and lighting candles or sprinkling blessed water, if desired. The following may be used or you may select other readings and prayers.

At the Entrance Door:

Dear God, protect our going out and coming in; Let us share the hospitality of this home with all who visit us, that those who enter here may know your love and peace.

All respond: Amen

Irish Blessing: May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, may your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your front door.

In the Living Room:

O God, give your blessings to all who come and share in fellowship this room, that we may weave a strong cloth together, binding the strings of friendship and companionship forever.

All respond: Amen

Irish Blessing: May you always have these blessings… A soft breeze when summer comes – A warm fireside in winter – And always the warm soft smile of a friend.

We light a candle to friendship. (Light a candle.)

In the Kitchen:

Dear God of Light, you fill the hungry with good things. Send your blessings on us, as we work in this kitchen, and make us ever thankful for our daily bread.

Irish Blessing: May there always be work for your hands to do - may your purse always hold a coin or two - may the sun always shine warm on your windowpane - may a rainbow be certain to follow each rain - may the hand of a friend always be near you - and may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

We light a candle to joy. (Light a candle.)

In the Dining Room

Blessed are you, Lord of heaven and earth, for you give us food and drink to sustain our lives and make our hearts glad. Help us to be grateful for all your mercies, and mindful of the needs of others.

All respond: Amen

Irish Blessing: May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies, and quick to make friends. But rich or poor, quick or slow, may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

We light a candle to Thanksgiving (Light a candle)

In the Bed Room

Protect us Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, we may rest in his peace.

All respond: Amen

Irish Blessing: May we dedicate this home to the appreciation of all things good and true.
May the books bring wisdom, the pictures symbolize things beautiful, and the music bring joy and inspiration.

We light a candle to love. (Light a candle.)

In a Second Bedroom

Thanks be to you God, who cleanses and washes away our fears and anxieties. Cleanse the hearts of all who rest here and fill them with peace, joy and love always.

All respond: Amen

We light a candle to contentment. (Light a candle)

In the Yard

Bless this land Lord, that they who play, gather and tend to it receive your love and energy. Let this place be a place where neighbors, family and friends gather to rejoice in life and to enjoy fellowship with one another.

All respond: Amen

We light a candle to appreciation. (Light a candle if weather permits.)