In Christianity, house blessing is an ancient tradition.
The blessing of a home is appropriate when those who live there have recently taken up new residence. Among some people it is customary to pray for God’s blessing on a home each year after one of the great festivals. Epiphany has traditionally been a time for the blessing of homes. The custom of the Epiphanytide house blessing commemorates the visitation of the Magi to the child Jesus.
On coming to the house, they saw the child …
Matthew’s Gospel says: “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)
Others will request such a blessing following a difficult family crisis or for other reasons. Still others will choose to make it a social occasion gathering friends and family to participate.
The form of service may be used in appropriate circumstances and may be adapted as required. The presiding minister may be a bishop, priest, deacon or lay person, unless the eucharist is to be celebrated, when the presiding minister shall be a bishop or priest.
Speak to the Dean about the blessing of a home.
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