We come to church to pray, to worship, to learn, and to be in community. We leave church to do the work God is calling us to do – to continue breaking bread and praying as the apostles have handed down; to resist evil; to proclaim the Good News; to seek and serve Christ in all persons; and to work for justice (see pages 304-305 in the Book of Common Prayer. These are our baptismal promises.).

Well, how do we do these things? From the moment we wake up each morning, every breath is an opportunity to turn back toward God. Every interaction is an invitation to see Christ in another person. Every task before us is a chance to follow Christ in a small way – by being honest, showing compassion, and seeking connection.

So many of these small moments of faith happen in our homes. Whether you live alone, parent small children or care for an aging parent, the rooms of our homes hold our faith lives. Our homes are where we break bread, learn how to treat others, and reflect on our lives.

Begin a new tradition this Epiphany – ask for God’s blessing on your home. Gather everyone – neighbors, pets, friends – for a brief liturgy.

Share the prayers below, then write this inscription above the door to your home with chalk: 20 + C + M + B + 18

Leader: Peace be to this house, and to all who enter here.

People: Amen.

May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is your incarnate Word, now and forever. Amen.
As participants take turns making the inscription, the leader says:
The three Wise Men, [C] Caspar, [M] Melchior, [B] and Balthasar followed the star to Bethlehem and the child Jesus [20] two thousand, [18] and eighteen years ago. [+ +] May Christ bless our home [+ +] and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

All say the Lord’s Prayer