Blessing a house

A little while ago I was asked by a friend and cousin to bless a holiday home she had just bought, at a small party among friends. What a privilege! Here is the form we used. The sprinkling was done with a sprig of rosemary, which I hope may root and be planted by the kitchen door as a remembrance of the day.

A word about blessing

We are about to bless this house. But what does that mean? When we bless something or someone we are praying that God, who we believe is like a loving parent to us, will empower that thing or person to be what it is intended to be.

So today we are going to bless this house to be what it is intended to be, a home from home filled with harmony, happiness, warmth and welcome. And our prayer is not just going to be in words but in actions, because we are going to sprinkle water – which we will also bless - as an unspoken prayer of blessing.

Blessing of water

Loving Father, bless this water by the power of your Holy Spirit,

that as we sprinkle it

so you will pour out blessings on this house,

and protect it and those within it from any harm or evil,

in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Blessing of house

Ask if the owners/tenants wish to name the house.

Lord, be present in this house, (house name),

and fill it with laughter, love, peace and pleasure.

May it be a place of harmony, happiness, warmth and welcome,

bringing enduring contentment and lasting memories.

Watch over all who stay here,

protecting, nurturing, guiding and providing,

so that it may be not just a house

but a home and a home from home –

a place of joy touched by your presence

and sanctified by your grace,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Sprinkling of water

Sprinkle doorstep. God bless this doorway and all who enter it.

Ask owners/tenants to go round sprinkling, sitting room, kitchen, back door, stairs, bedrooms etc.