When is a house a home?

a roof of peace

Bless this House
by Helen Taylor

Bless this house, O Lord we pray,

Make it safe by night and day . . .

Bless these walls so firm and stout,

Keeping want and trouble out . . .

Bless the roof and chimneys tall,
Let thy peace lie overall . . .

Bless this door that it may prove,

Ever open,To joy and love . . .

Bless these windows shining bright,

Letting in God's Heavenly light,

Bless the hearth, the painting there,

With smoke ascending like a prayer!

Bless the folk who dwell within,

Keep them pure and free from sin . . .

Bless us all that we may be,
Fit O Lord to dwell with thee . . .

Bless us all that one day we
may dwell,O Lord! With Thee, withThee!

A house is a home when it's built with qualities originating in a loving God. The author of this poem recognized that safety, peace, joy, love, light, prayer -- comfortable and happy qualities -- come from caring hearts within the four walls, not from the structure itself.

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Home is the dearest spot on earth,

and it should be the centre,

though not the boundary,

of the affections.
Mary Baker Eddy

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