Bless This House

This beautiful song - which is virtually a nondenominational hymn - was published in 1927 and is the work of two English women. Helen Taylor, a poet, wrote the original words for the song and titled it "Bless The House." Her friend, Mary Brahe, composed the stirring, devotional music that so warmly embraces the prayerful sentiments of the lyrics. Their combination sets a soaring and majestic tone to give the song emotional impact.

A few years after its publication, the song caught the attention of the world-famous Irish Tenor John McCormack who immediately recognized its potential greatness, changed the title to "Bless This House," made some minor revisions in the lyrics and included the song as a highlight of his repertoire. It also became one of his best selling recordings.

As a testimonial to the success of the song, "Bless This House" is still widely and frequently heard from modern day classical style singers.

Bless This House

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 over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.

Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell 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.

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
Psalm 127:1

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Proverbs 24:3-4

The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2

(God said), "Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there."
2 Chronicles 7:15-16

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21

(Jesus said), "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
Revelation 3:20