My eyes teared up as I read that verse today. This is the prayer of my heart for my sister and her family.
Yesterday I helped as three generations moved into the family home. Built by Grandpa Coulson Scott in 1956, renovations were made to welcome their son, his wife, and two precious grandchildren. Over the past months and weeks one of the things that has moved my heart beyond measure was to watch as the family of God came together to make this transformation happen. Although contractors were employed for structural and electrical changes, friends heard of needs and "just showed up", doing all the painting, installing floors, attending to the plumbing, washing windows, adding baseboards, raking leaves and filling every need.
The list of volunteers is endless. Like a "barn-raising" in pioneer days, friends just appeared and took care of every detail, including providing the most delicious lunch for over a dozen of us yesterday. A car drove up and a dear sister-in-Christ brought tray after tray into the kitchen for all the famished movers. We stood amidst boxes and furniture, not seeing the chaos, but relishing in the gift of love. Although there is nothing but thankfulness and pure delight as my sister and her husband have expanded their home to include additional family, the road was paved in sacrifice. Yet, as scripture promises, those who weep in tears, have a harvest of joy. Yesterday we saw that unbridled joy!
Today I pray a blessing over their lives. It is my longing that the Lord richly bless my sister and her husband, their children, and their children's children. All the packing up, giving away, and discarding to accommodate four more people into their home has not been easy, but I know the Lord is going to honour the steps of obedience taken.
I pray for all families today, that the Lord would be the foundation of each home. I pray for strong beams of trust, hope and forgiveness to rest on footings of love, so their lives will never be shaken. I pray that unkind words will not enter their dwelling place, but gratitude, gentleness and encouragement will be the language of each one.
Father, bless them with music and rejoicing. Let every "first" be a cause for celebration and may the song of life be embedded in the walls. May there be feasting, dancing, laughter and games! May Holy days be celebrated within. May the advent of our Lord be anticipated by sharing the sacred stories of His birth. May thankfulness be the theme of each moment and may You continually be glorified.
Lord, bless them with times of silence, peace and rest. May each one recognize the gift of quiet and embrace it. May the wisdom of the elders be respected and valued, and with the passing of time may the different generations find even greater joy in each other's presence.
God, please teach the children insight and perspective at the knees of those who have walked ahead of them. May they be inspired by wonderful stories and shared heritage and rich experience.
Let there be prayer in this home with both praise and supplication. May prayer be the first and natural impulse when there is need or plenty, accomplishment or failure, sickness or health, birth or death.
Of all the words uttered by each one abiding within, may Jesus be the sweetest name of all.
*Although not direct quotes, some thoughts taken from "Bless This House"' Gloria Gaither; copyright 1998
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