Blessing

Heavenly Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we praise you and give you glory. Be with us as
we pray, and bless + us in your love.

May this be a place reserved for prayer. Listen to the praise and petitions of all who come
here to pray, and be pleased with their worship. Send the Spirit of Jesus to guide them, and
accept the praise of humble, contrite hearts.

Lord, bless and consecrate this chapel + in the name of the Father, + through Jesus, our Lord
and our brother, + in the love and unity of your Holy Spirit, + one God, for ever and ever.
Amen!

Blessing of the CROSS OR CRUCIFIX

Cel: Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to us because you love us, and want to save us. By
the power of his cross, free us from sin and let us live each day for you.

Bless + this sign of glory, and let it remind us that Jesus died and rose for all. Help us to
carry our cross with him every day, and to follow him in serving others. We ask this grace
through Christ our Lord. Amen

1
 Intercessions

Our response: Stay with us, Lord

1) The Son of God, Lord of heaven and earth, made his home among us. With thankful-
ness and gladness let us call upon him, saying: Stay, with us, Lord.

2) Lord Jesus Christ, by your life with Mary and Joseph you sanctified the life of the
home; dwell with us in our home, so that we may have you as our guest, and honour you
as our Head, we pray: Response

3) In you every dwelling grows into a holy temple; grant that those who live in this house
may be built up together into the dwelling place of God in the Holy Spirit, we pray: Re-
sponse

4) You taught your followers to build their houses on solid rock; grant that the members
of this home may hold fast to your teachings and, free of all discord, serve you whole-
heartedly, we pray: Response

5) You had no place to lay your head but in uncomplaining poverty you accepted the hos-
pitality of your friends; may all those who come here experience welcome, acceptance,
and service, we pray: Response

6) Martha through her warm and thoughtful hospitality and Mary through her silent pres-
ence and attentive listening and solitude made their home a place the Lord loved to fre-
quent. May this community by their warmth and openness, their prayer and faith be a de-
light, a source of strength, solace and reconciliation to its neighbours, parishioners and all
those who visit here, we pray: Response

(You may now add our personal intentions)

Cel: Lord, be close to your servants who will pray, worship and meditate here and ask for
your blessing on their life and ministry. Be their shelter when they are at home; their com-
panion when they are away, and their welcome guest when they return, and at last receive
them into the dwelling place you have prepared for them in your Father's house, where you
live for ever and ever.