16 July 2009

Bless what?

The Lutheran Service Book Agenda is a book full of blessings. Literally. You'll find blessings for:

Groundbreaking
Laying a Cornerstone
Dedication of a Church
School or other educational facility
Parish Hall or other facility
Cemetery
Organ
Church Bells
Baptismal Font and related Vessels
Communion Vessels
Paraments and Altar Linens
Vestments
Lectionary or Bible
Cross
Sacred Art
General Rite of Blessing
Advent Wreath
Creche
Home
Bible for use in a Home or School
Cross in a home
Sacred Art in the home
Advent Wreath in the home
Creche in home or school.

The introduction to this section of the Agenda teaches us: "material possessions are gifts from our good and gracious God to be used in service to others and for the praise of His holy name. Every good gift comes from the Father (James 1:17). All that God created is good (Genesis 1) and is to be received from Him with thanksgiving, being sanctified by the Word of God and prayer (1 Tim 4:4-5). In the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer we pray that our Father in heaven would lead us to realize this and to receive these gifts in faith with thanksgiving to God (Small Catechism)." (Agenda, p. 255)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Blessings for the bathroom, but no blessing for the family pet?