{"id":99,"date":"2020-03-13T17:41:24","date_gmt":"2020-03-13T22:41:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.terrasanctaguild.com\/blog\/?p=99"},"modified":"2020-05-20T19:30:06","modified_gmt":"2020-05-21T00:30:06","slug":"house-blessings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.terrasanctaguild.com\/blog\/house-blessings\/","title":{"rendered":"House Blessings"},"content":{"rendered":"

Blessing is a theme that stretches from Genesis to Revelation in the Scriptures. In 1 Samuel 25:6 it instructs us, \u201cAnd thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have.\u201d Imagine how lovely it would be to greet your friends in this way as you enter their home for a night of fellowship, or upon entering it for the first time? Consider what a gift that would be for them to receive such a blessing. They would never forget it. What if you could leave them a visual memento of blessing to hang in their home as a house blessing?<\/p>\n

House Blessings: A History<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"house<\/strong>For centuries, many different cultures have done something strikingly similar to their dwellings: they bless their homes. In the first Century A.D., some early Christians believed sanctifying their homes would ward off evil spirits. Jewish tradition calls for the affixing of a mezuzah<\/a>, which is construed as a device protecting against the divine anger, in order to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to “write the words of God on the gates and doorposts of your house” (Deuteronomy 6:9<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Fast forward to today, you will see a wide variety of house blessings<\/a> conducted by both clergy, as well as home owners. From the very private to public settings, like reality TV.<\/p>\n

Every dwelling space for humans deserves a house blessing, no matter the size, location or socio-economic status.<\/em><\/p>\n

When to Do a House Blessing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Existing homes can be blessed, and re-blessed, and new homes can be blessed before being moved into.<\/p>\n

House blessings<\/a> have been a part of Habitat for Humanity since its inception in 1976. \u201cThe new homeowners are there from start to finish, so when it comes time to bless the home it’s like baptizing a new baby,\u201d says Jessica Grybek, marketing and PR coordinator for Habitat.<\/p>\n

We talked to a number of people who have written blessings on the studs and subflooring, in their new homes, before the next stage of construction was started, and finished up with a home blessing ceremony before they moved in.<\/p>\n

A House Blessing Prayer<\/h2>\n

\u201cWhen you enter a house, first say, \u2018Peace to this house.\u2019\u201d (Luke 10:5). This is a basic Jewish greeting, translated from, \u201cShalom,\u201d meaning, \u201cMay G-d cause all to be well with you.\u201d It was a blessing that was also an implicit prayer and was said as members of the early church entered homes, which was the only safe place to preach without fear.<\/p>\n

How often do we pray for our own homes \/ households in this way?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A house blessing prayer<\/a> isn\u2019t just for the four walls and the roof that we live under. The idea of this ancient prayer is more of a prayer for the inhabitants, the lineage and the goodly heritage. The past, the present and the future. Ancient Jewish tradition states that blessings are passed down to the third and fourth generation.<\/p>\n

Would we do this more often if we have a visual reminder to do so, such as a door knocker, entrance plaque or wall cross?<\/p>\n

House Blessing Prayers<\/h3>\n