Homemaker's Prayer

Lord,

Thank you for giving me a car nice enough to give people rides to church in,
but not so fancy that I can't put a dog in the backseat or let kids eat a snack in it.
Help me not to value my chairs more than the people sitting on them.
I don't need tables that require coasters or have beautiful wood that nobody gets to see
because it's always covered.
Give me carpet that my husband can walk on in his work boots.
Keep me from buying rugs to protect the floor from the people you meant to walk on it.
Help me not to confuse my house with a furniture museum.
   The world will not end if kids bounce on the couch cushions,
   or twirl in the swivel rocker.

You did not give me a home so I could protect my possessions,
   but as a haven for my husband, children, neighbors and sometimes, even strangers. 
Help me remember that you gave me a home to take care of my family, not the other way around.
     Shoes and paw prints should be welcome, even when they dirty the carpet.
     Let in the sunlight, even if it fades the upholstery,
     and use the good china, even if it gets broken.
Help me to keep my house clean enough to be comfortable
    for the hardworking man who pays for it
    and the children who grew up here.
But please don't give me enough money for fancy things,
fancy things come with a price beyond money.
Help me to hold possessions loosely and you tightly,
and to love the Giver more than the gifts,
because you are the true Home Maker.

                                        Amen