|
|
 |
Pastor Powell's ColumnNovember 2010Bless This House |
|
O God our Father, as we join hands in this living room, we pray that each member of this household will be living for Christ1 and living with Christ2, as a living sacrifice3. This living room is a special room for entertaining guests. May many visitors encounter the love of Jesus in this home4. This dining room is a place of eating and conversation together as a family. Jesus said “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes form the mouth of God.”5 We pray that this family will be well nourished in physical health by food you provide, and in spiritual health by your Word. This kitchen has a lot of dishes and pans and containers. We remember that God’s Word says “In a wealthy home there are dishes made of gold and silver as well as some made from wood and clay. The expensive dishes are used for guests, and the cheap ones are used in the kitchen or to put garbage in. If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold—the very best in the house—so that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes.”6 May each person in this home lead the kind of pure life that can be used by Christ. Here in the library the children do their homework. Remembering your command to love God with our whole heart, soul, strength, and mind7, may these minds grow for your glory, first through the study of your Word, then through the study of your gifts in creation and in the arts. Recognizing that our enemy has sown many lies in the world, we pray for the growth of wisdom and discernment to separate truth from error8. Thank you for this office and the profession that helps support a family. As your servant meets with clients, may faithful service, business integrity, and wise consultation lead to many heart-to-heart conversations about eternal matters9. The family that relaxes in this family room needs your grace to honor, forgive, and love one another10. May those who use this television covenant together to set no vile thing before their eyes11. Whenever a small group Bible study is hosted here, then be among them, Lord Jesus, so they can spur one another on to love and good deeds12. We pray that each of the bedrooms will be a place of rest and renewal, both through physical sleep13 and the renewal that comes through private prayer14. May those who share a room dwell together in harmonious love and never go to bed angry15. Whatever the function of the basement for this house, we pray this is a home built on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ Himself16, in whose matchless Name we pray. Amen. After this manner we prayed when a family requested “Please bless our home.17"
|
