The story – my story – truly begins with why I prayed for each room in my home, not the how.
I knew moving to our new place in the country would be both a blessing and a test. A test of faith. Traveling on roads aren’t easy for me since a bad car accident years ago. You see, I’ve always lived in the city, only miles from what I need. And even then, it was a struggle. Now we’re 20 minutes from civilization (yes, Starbucks).
Recently, the struggle became even more complicated when Brian left for France. Stresses from all different directions honed in on me like a fluorescent target in pitch darkness. The fact that I struggle with depression and anxiety, I’m learning, can magnify these stresses beyond what most could possibly understand.
Past trips to France have rarely upset me. But this time was different. In addition to other things, I had a dreaded test result looming {it turned out fine}. And I felt myself spiraling despite immersing myself in the Word, worship music, and wise counsel from friends. It felt like the walls were closing in on me.
It was then the idea to pray over my house⎯my surroundings ⎯came to mind. I’d prayed over past homes but this time I sensed an urgency. The following morning, I turned on the praise music, cranked up the volume, and walked through my home praying even louder.
This I Prayed:
Front Entry
For guests entering our home to feel welcomed and cared for by us, and ultimately, the Lord. To cultivate an open home, regardless of how clean or messy our house is at the moment. For God’s blessing and protection.
Den
For the conversations in this room to be edifying and glorifying to the Lord. To be filled with joy, laughter, and family-building moments. It was also in this room that with outstretched arms I prayed for any spirit not of God to flee, in the name of Jesus. There was no room for the spirit of fear, discouragement, or confusion in our home.
Kitchen
For Brian and my family to feel loved (not cursed) by the food I prepare for them. To receive creative ideas in ministering to others through food and meals. For me to make wiser choices in my food selections. {I’m still reaping the consequences from last year’s stress-mess.} To embrace the mundane work of my hands for His glory.
Where You Create
My writing desk is in our little sunroom. I prayed that every word penned would take flight for God’s glory. To lean into, depend on, and rest in Christ for not only the work but also the results. For an outpouring of creativity. To seek to know {by experience} God more deeply, not to seek to be known by others.
Master Bedroom
For Brian and I to grow closer to the Lord, confident that as each of us grows closer to Him, we will inevitably grow closer to one another. To rest well…physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I prayed protection over our marriage and family. In our closets I prayed for open hands in being generous to share, refusing to keep “stuff” for all the wrong reasons.
Guest Bedroom(s)
Our second bedroom is shared between a guest bed and bunks for the grandkids {and a teepee!}. There, I prayed for my children and grandchildren. To love Christ with all their heart from an early age. I prayed for them what I prayed for our boys growing up — protection, first spiritually followed by physical and emotional protection. For if they are steadfast in Christ, all else wanes in comparison. For my children, I thanked God for His faithfulness. I also prayed for the guests God would bring to our home in the future. That they would sense a safe haven in the room.
Hobby Room/Recreational
For us, this would be my husband’s music room. There I prayed that God would greatly use the gifts and talents for His glory. For him to find rest and enjoyment in his room. I also took the opportunity to thank God for Brian and the many ways he blesses me and our entire family.
Outdoors
For God to use our pool, deck, yard, barn — anything of His choosing — to minister to others. I’m considering planting a cut-flower garden to bless others. {We never know how God may want to use a garden window, a patio, deck, or an apartment balcony!} I also thanked Him for the enjoyment of His creation. For the neighbors on our country road — blessings, to know Him if they don’t, and to shine brightly if they do.
There was a time when I would’ve thought walking through my home armed with specific prayers would’ve been “out there”. No more. I’ve experienced the power of prayer both in my heart and in my home. The heaviness of oppression that led me to walk through our home lifted with every turn of my shoulders, every turning of the knob. To God be the glory.
Have you walked through your home in prayer? Or is this a new concept that you would like to try? Or, is there a way I can pray for you today? Please share in the comment section. I would count it a privilege.
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Wow, Cathy! This is a great idea! I’ve never done this and can’t wait to do it this weekend. Thank you for your transparency and sharing this with us.
Thank you, Crickett. I would love to love to hear your thoughts afterwards. Blessings!
After each move, we anoint the rooms, walk the yard. It is really a blessing! Thank you for sharing.
I love this, Maureen. The idea of walking the yard reminds me of a time when one of our past churches began breaking ground for the building. They made prayer posts where members could walk around the site praying for specific things while it was being built. Thank you for taking the time to share. Blessings!
I’ve not done that either! For my family, yes. For my home as one unit, yes. But, never individually. I love it. Thanks, Cathy!
Thanks, Debra. 🙂 Praying for specific things in the individual rooms was new for me too. I appreciate your taking the time to share.
Good idea, Cathy. I especially love that you prayed for your family to feel loved, not cursed by the food you prepare. I need to pray that… LOL. Thank you for great insight.
Ha! A sense of humor is always required when I’m in the kitchen. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to share, Sheryl.
Love this! A few years ago my husband and I had to evacuate our condo home of 10-years when it became toxic with a noxious odor that stabbed at my lungs. It was heartbreaking and happened so quickly. We never lived there again. We prayed over our new home when we moved in three years ago, but not room to room. So glad it’s never too late!
I am too, Leslie. Thank you for sharing your story. Blessings!
Love this, Cathy. When our sons got married and moved into their first homes, we gathered there and each family member read a verse before we prayed for God to keep them safe, and to bless them and their home. Sweet times!
I love the idea of reading scripture, especially when the entire family takes part. Thank you for taking the time to share, Michelle. Blessings!
We have prayed through a new (different) home over the years. Many times we invite our pastor and his wife to do it. One never knows who the previous owners were in a spiritual sense and taking dominion is important. Good on’ya, Cathy Baker!
Yes, indeed, Warren. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Cathy I love your transparency! That is something we learned years ago being military and stationed in such Countries of idol worship. When we came back to USA we tend to do this to “spring clean”. It is so refreshing when we obey the spirit to do this. I love the way you expressed each detail it shows the desires of your ❤️.
We miss you guys so much
We miss you, too! Thank you for your sweet words. 🙂 Your wisdom and encouragement have always been a blessing to me.
Cathy, I love this. You are so very precious. This is something David and I always did too. We also anointed the doorpost with oil. I loved when the sunlight made the sign of the cross glimmer. I’m SO thankful you’re feeling better. I”ve been praying for you.
Thank you, Nan. Your prayers are priceless to me. I love the picture of gleaming oil on the doorpost. Beautiful!
Cathy,
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Yes, it is so important that we follow through with this process. My mother always used to pray through our home. And oh, how we all want our homes to be a sweet, peaceful sanctuary, filled with the presence of Jesus!
Enjoy your new home : )
Yes and amen, Cynthia! You’re so right. Thank you for the sweet wishes. I hope to see you at Blue Ridge this year!
What a beautiful post. I’ve prayed for my house to sell and for the new owners to be happy in it. I’ve prayed for patience to wait on God’s timing to bring the right family to my old home/their new home. But I’ve never prayed like you have. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you for sharing as well, Jackie. I love that you are already praying for the new owners God will send. I’ll join you in praying for your home to sell and for you both to be blessed!