Bless This House
Solomon was known for great wisdom. Yet his many wives led him away from the Lord. I am not sure just what kind of faith Solomon had at the end of his life. But what he did leave us were many prayers and blessings.
In the reading today from 1 Kings, there is a prayer that is really something special. So much so that I will paraphrase it in the hopes that you may use it for your home. To put it into context Solomon is saying if there is a God, and He is so great that the all the heavens and earth cannot contain Him, how can He possibly be in the temple that was just constructed. Then it is as if Solomon receives a revelation from God who explains in this prayer just how that happens. I will paraphrase it just a bit so that you can use it for your home. I think it an appropriate blessing.
Heavenly Father, look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant,
O LORD, my God,
and listen to the cry of supplication which I,
your servant, utter before you this day.
May your eyes watch night and day over this house,
the place where you have decreed you shall be honored;
may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place.
Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people
which they offer in this place.
Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
May you and your family be abundantly blessed and protected by Our Heavenly Father.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen