A thanksgiving tradition . . .

23Nov
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 ablazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer.
Bless the people here 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.
- Bless This House by Helen Taylor

Bless This House is a poem published in 1927 by Englishwoman Helen Taylor, under the original title Bless the House. The music was composed by Australian May Brahe, a friend of Taylor's. I suspect that some of you reading this have memories of this song being played in your home at Thanksgiving time. For as I understand, the song is heavily associated with Thanksgiving in this country. At first glance the song seems to be solely about asking God’s blessings. However, as you read each line it becomes clear that in seeking the blessing the reader is also giving thanks for the home, the hearth, the windows, the people, and the Lord’s heavenly light and presence in their life. All of which is deeply important any day, but especially on a day set aside specifically for gratitude. 

When I was a child it was a tradition that every Thanksgiving my mother, still wearing her apron, and taking a break from her Thanksgiving preparations, would sit down at the piano and play Bless This House, while the extended family gathered around and sang. If we were lucky, my father would join in on the mandolin. How grateful I am to have been raised by such loving parents and to hold this happy memory in my heart. Those Thanksgivings were a time when home was safe, warm, and filled with the sound of music, and the voices of those I loved most. The words to this song express all the gratitude I feel for that love which surrounded, and still surrounds me, and the words also express everything I could ever want or hope for my family and friends.  

Bless this House - Rosemary Clooney

On this Thanksgiving Day as we all prepare to give thanks, through those traditions which are unique to our own family and friends, I pray for you, and for all this troubled world, all of the blessings beseeched above. May God’s safety, peace, joy, love, purity, prayer, and gratitude fill your home and heart today; and may God’s heavenly light shine upon you evermore. Amen.
Prayer
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#poetry #thanksgiving

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