Giving Thanks For Our Homes

We’ve all been at home in the past couple of years much more than in the years previous.  It can be too easy to complain about that rather than to be thankful for all we have in our homes.  Let’s take these moments to do that and to give God thanks.  Listen to these words

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes,  in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:18

Thank you Lord for peaceful and secure places where we can stay.  There are many homeless people around the world – whether refugees or those who struggle with addiction or mental health, or even those who’ve lost employment and now find themselves in a hard place.  Be close to those who do not have a home tonight.  Help them to do all they can to be responsible in their personal situations and then help governments to have grace and mercy to come alongside and provide affordable help for those who truly need it.

God’s word says:

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city,  the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1 NIV

Well Heavenly Father, this seems to me to be more addressed to the work we do individually and together than to the place where we live but still we know that in all we are and all we do, we need You to live and work through us.  We need You to guide and direct us today.  We need You to watch over us and keep us safe from the attacks of the evil one.  We welcome You to build with us today, Lord and watch over us.

And then one of my favorite quotes about our home and God being with us from John 14:23

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.  John 14:23

Lord, wherever we are making our home today we really do want You to come and shelter with us.  We want to live as obedient followers of Yours so You find a ready welcome in our lives.

We also want to pray for those whose homes are places of anger and violence and abuse.  We pray for rescue for those who need to be able to get away from their homes.  In Your mercy, God, show them what they should do today, how to find the help they need, and the courage to take any necessary steps.  We ask for healing and deliverance from the hurt, fear, anger, sin, and brokenness that lies under these destructive and harmful behaviours.  Bring the abusers to their senses and restore them as well giving peace and wholeness to the victims and the family members who suffer today.

Today we ask for our hearts to be strengthened with Your love and for these times in our homes to be rich as we fellowship with You and our family members.  Amen