There are many special privileges that come with homeschooling. We are gifted with considerably more time with our children. We have the honor of watching them go through all of life’s milestones. We celebrate alongside them as they learn to read and we cry alongside them as they learn to do long division. We are there for all of it.
But another thing that comes with homeschooling is an added responsibility of creating a safe and loving environment inside our homes and families. This is the place where our children will spend their entire childhood. It will be the place that nurtures either joy and independence or fear and uncertainty.
Now before you start rethinking this altogether, let me remind you of the best news: these kids are God’s before they were ever yours. He is orchestrating the beautiful details of their childhood in upcoming opportunities, encounters and experiences. He is on your team – and what an amazing teammate He is.
Yet still, we have a privilege in the responsibility to create in our home an environment that speaks of Christ to everyone that enters it. This might seem like a tall order, but again, keep in mind Who’s on your team. When you create a prayer corner for your family, He floods it with grace and peace and serenity. When you establish a family devotional time, He blesses the little you give during that time and turns it into a well of Godly resources in the hearts of your children. When you open the doors of your home to others in hospitality, He embeds these beautiful virtues in your children that will teach them to love inviting those in need of physical, emotional or spiritual support. He turns your ordinary house into a house of prayer, a house of blessing.
This expression, “houses of prayer, houses of blessing” comes from the house blessing prayer of my Coptic Orthodox Church. I’ve heard it said many times but often contemplate on the beauty of its reality. Just like you, I desire deeply for my home to be a house of prayer and blessing. So here are some ideas on how we can work alongside the Lord to reach for that vision.
Let us console our children with Scripture verses and teach them that prayer is a force stronger than any other.
Let us establish family prayer time and cement it as an immovable part of our family rhythm – even if we start with just a short daily prayer together.
Let us open our home to those in need. And I’m not only talking about the poor and homeless of our communities. You would be so surprised at the need among friends, family members and neighbours. Be bold enough to invite acquaintances over that you have never invited before. Make them dinner with no expectations of anything in return. Make them feel welcome and loved. They will see the outpouring of grace. They will see the Lord’s presence in your home and your house will truly have become a house of blessing.
Let us incorporate Scripture and Crosses and holy pictures into the décor of our home. Do not miss the chance to arm every room in your house with the power and protection of the presence of God’s army. If there’s someone that really despises houses of prayer and blessing, it’s the Enemy. So just make it clear to him that your house belongs to Christ.
What are some cool ways you’ve made your house into a “house of prayer, house of blessing”? I’d love so much to learn from you so comment your thoughts and ideas below.