The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in a service for the dedication of a house, building, or property are listed on this page for the 17 different ways that are given below. If you click or tap on one of them, it will take you to its location on this page.
Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
Assurances of God’s Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions
Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace
Introductions to Scripture Readings
Introductions Before Offerings
Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving
Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
Since the following scriptures may contain an incomplete verse and have been removed from their contexts in the Bible, it is up to you to make the final determination if they will properly accomplish the purpose for which you are going to use them. Scriptures that are listed below that are incomplete will have an asterisk after their references.
The Best Calls to Worship for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
We read that the following took place in 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 when the ark of the LORD’s presence was placed into the newly built temple of the LORD during its dedication.
12 All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. 13 The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God. 2 Chronicles 5:12-14
We read that the following took place in 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 when King Solomon dedicated the newly built temple of the Lord.
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 7:1-3
The following verses from Ezra 3:10-11 are especially appropriate to use during the laying of the foundation of a church building.
10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the LORD, as prescribed by David king of Israel. 11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, Ezra 3:10-11*
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. 10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:1-2, 4, 10-11
The following verses from 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9 are especially appropriate to use during the dedication of a church building.
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 [Y]ou are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9*
Other Calls to Worship to Consider Using
2 Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, to minister, to give thanks and to sing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling. 2 Chronicles 31:2
27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. Nehemiah 12:27
The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions
for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
7 But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. Psalm 5:7
4 One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:2–3
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you . . . . 10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; . . . . 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you. Psalm 84:1-2, 4-5, 10-12*
The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their Introductions for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24:53
Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
14 “LORD, . . . , there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.” 2 Chronicles 6:14*
16 [M]ay all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!” Psalm 40:16*
1 Praise awaits you, our God, . . . ; to you our vows will be fulfilled. Psalm 65:1*
4 “[T]he great and awesome God . . . keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,” Daniel 9:4*
68 “Praise be to the Lord, . . . , because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 74 [t]o enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” Luke 1:68-69, 74-75*
The Best Introductions to Singing for a House
Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
We read that the following took place in 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 when the ark of the LORD’s presence was placed into the newly built temple of the LORD during its dedication.
12 All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. 13 The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God. 2 Chronicles 5:12-14
10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the LORD, as prescribed by David king of Israel. 11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love . . . endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. Ezra 3:10-11*
27 At the dedication . . . , the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. Nehemiah 12:27*
27 At the dedication . . . , the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. 31 I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. 40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; . . . . 42 The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah. 43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. Nehemiah 12:27, 31b, 40, 42b-43*
Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using
31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark came to rest there. 32 They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 6:31-32a*
6 All these men were under the supervision of their father for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. 7 Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD—they numbered 288. 1 Chronicles 25:6-7
1 Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD, 2 you who minister in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant. Psalm 135:1-3
The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions for
a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
15 When they had assembled their fellow Levites and consecrated themselves, they went in to purify the temple of the LORD, as the king had ordered, following the word of the LORD. 16 The priests went into the sanctuary of the LORD to purify it. They brought out to the courtyard of the LORD’s temple everything unclean that they found in the temple of the LORD. The Levites took it and carried it out to the Kidron Valley. 2 Chronicles 29:15-16
10 “Son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins. Let them consider its perfection, 11 and if they are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the temple—its arrangement, its exits and entrances—its whole design and all its regulations and laws. Write these down before them so that they may be faithful to its design and follow all its regulations.” Ezekiel 43:10-11
12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’ ” Matthew 21:12-13
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49
Other Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions to Consider Using
7 What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:7bc*
29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on . . . ; 30 . . . those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31a*
The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior . . . .” 2 Samuel 22:2-3*
23 “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored: If you remove wickedness far from your tent 24 and assign your nuggets to the dust, your gold . . . to the rocks in the ravines, 25 then the Almighty will be your gold, the choicest silver for you. 26 Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God.” Job 22:23–26*
31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31*
Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using
68 “Praise be to the Lord, . . . , because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” Luke 1:68-69, 74-75*
7 Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” John 10:7, 9*
The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
63 So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the temple of the LORD. 64 On that same day the king consecrated the middle part of the courtyard in front of the temple of the LORD, and there he offered burnt offerings, grain offerings and the fat of the fellowship offerings, because the bronze altar that stood before the LORD was too small to hold the burnt offerings, the grain offerings and the fat of the fellowship offerings. 65 So Solomon observed the festival at that time, and all Israel with him—a vast assembly, people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. They celebrated it before the LORD our God for seven days and seven days more, fourteen days in all. 1 Kings 8:63b-65*
5 So the king and all the people dedicated the temple of God. 6 The priests took their positions, as did the Levites with the LORD’s musical instruments, which King David had made for praising the LORD and which were used when he gave thanks, saying, “His love endures forever.” Opposite the Levites, the priests blew their trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing. 7 Solomon consecrated the middle part of the courtyard in front of the temple of the LORD, and there he offered burnt offerings and the fat of the fellowship offerings, because the bronze altar he had made could not hold the burnt offerings, the grain offerings and the fat portions. 8 So Solomon observed the festival at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him—a vast assembly, people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. 9 On the eighth day they held an assembly, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the festival for seven days more. 2 Chronicles 7:5b-9*
Other Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another,
and Passing God’s Peace to Consider Using
13 The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. Acts 28:13b-14a*
23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Romans 16:23a*
19 Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 1 Corinthians 16:19b*
1 To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home: Philemon 1b-2*
The Best Introductions to Scripture Readings for a
House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 11:18-20
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. Psalm 119:54
3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4
24 “[E]veryone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25*
47 “As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:47-49
Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:36-37
The Best Introductions Before Offerings for a House
Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. 8 Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” Exodus 25:1-2, 8
We read that the following took place in 1 Kings 8:1, 3, 5-6, 10-11 when the ark of the LORD’s presence was placed into the newly built temple of the LORD during its dedication.
1 Then King Solomon summoned into his presence at Jerusalem the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenant from Zion, the City of David. 3 When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark, 5 and King Solomon and the entire assembly of Israel that had gathered about him were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded or counted. 6 The priests then brought the ark of the LORD’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. 10 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. 11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. 1 Kings 8:1, 3, 5-6, 10-11
The following verses from 1 Kings 8:62-63 are especially appropriate to use during the dedication of a church building.
62 Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices before the LORD. 63 Solomon offered a sacrifice of fellowship offerings to the LORD: twenty-two thousand cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the temple of the LORD. 1 Kings 8:62-63
The following verses from 1 Chronicles 29:16-18 are especially appropriate to use during the laying of the foundation of a church building.
16 “LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 18 LORD, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.” 1 Chronicles 29:16-18
The following verses from 2 Chronicles 5:4-6, 13c-14 are especially appropriate to use during the dedication of a church building.
4 When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the Levites took up the ark, 5 and they brought up the ark and the tent of meeting and all the sacred furnishings in it. The Levitical priests carried them up; 6 and King Solomon and the entire assembly of Israel that had gathered about him were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded or counted. 13 Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God. 2 Chronicles 5:4-6, 13c-14*
The following verses from 2 Chronicles 7:1-5 are especially appropriate to use during the dedication of a church building.
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.” 4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. 5 And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. So the king and all the people dedicated the temple of God. 2 Chronicles 7:1-5
5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings. Ezra 1:5-6
24 Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, namely, Sherebiah, Hashabiah and ten of their brothers, 25 and I weighed out to them the offering of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his advisers, his officials and all Israel present there had donated for the house of our God. 26 I weighed out to them 650 talents of silver, silver articles weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold, 27 20 bowls of gold valued at 1,000 darics, and two fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold. 28 I said to them, “You as well as these articles are consecrated to the LORD. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your ancestors. Ezra 8:24-28
Other Introductions Before Offerings to Consider Using
1 They brought the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before God. 1 Chronicles 16:1
The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions
for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are many of “The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions” that apply very well for a house blessing or the dedication of a building so there are more than this listed below.
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
The following verses from Deuteronomy 8:6, 11-14 are especially appropriate to use for a house blessing.
6 Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees . . . . 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when . . . your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God . . . . Deuteronomy 8:6, 11-14*
The following verses from Deuteronomy 11:18-20 are especially appropriate to use for a house blessing.
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 11:18-20
The following verses from Joshua 24:14a, 15-16, 18b, 24 are especially appropriate to use for a house blessing.
14 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” 16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 18 We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.” 24 “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” Joshua 24:14a, 15-16, 18b, 24*
The following verse from Nehemiah 10:39b is especially appropriate to use during the dedication of a church building.
39 “We will not neglect the house of our God.” Nehemiah 10:39b*
13 “[I]f you devote your heart to him [God] and stretch out your hands to him, 14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, 15 then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. 16 You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. 17 Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. 18 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. 19 You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.” Job 11:13-19*
The following verse from Proverbs 16:3 is especially appropriate to use during the laying of the foundation of a church building.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” John 2:17
The following verses from 1 Peter 2:4-5 are especially appropriate to use during the dedication of a church building.
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5
Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using
27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. 31 I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. 40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials, 41 as well as the priests—Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah and Hananiah with their trumpets—42 and also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam and Ezer. The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah. 43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. Nehemiah 12:27, 31ab, 40–43*
6 The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: 7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.’ ” Zechariah 3:6-7
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49
31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. 1 Corinthians 7:31a*
8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8-10
The Best Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions
for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
4 He [King David] appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to extol, thank, and praise the LORD, the God of Israel: 1 Chronicles 16:4
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 7:1-3
2 Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, to minister, to give thanks and to sing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling. 2 Chronicles 31:2
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” Psalm 118:15-16
The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions
for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. Exodus 33:7
40 “Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place [the temple of the LORD].” 2 Chronicles 6:40
15 “Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place [the temple of the LORD].” 2 Chronicles 7:15
21 In everything that he [Hezekiah] undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:21
11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
13 [H]e [Jesus] said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ . . . .” Matthew 21:13*
17 And as he taught them, he [Jesus] said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer . . .’?” Mark 11:17a
46 “It is written,” he [Jesus] said to them, “ ‘My house will be a house of prayer’; . . . .” Luke 19:46
Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using
25 Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well. Genesis 26:25
The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
13 “It is written,” he [Jesus] said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ . . . .” Matthew 21:13*
17 And as he [Jesus] taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer . . .’?” Mark 11:17a*
46 “It is written,” he [Jesus] said to them, “ ‘My house will be a house of prayer’; . . . .” Luke 19:46*
The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
for a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12
20 “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you . . . .” 1 Chronicles 28:20*
13 “[I]f you devote your heart to him [God the Almighty] and stretch out your hands to him, 14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, 15 then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. 16 You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. 17 Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. 18 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. 19 You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.” Job 11:13-19*
9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; Psalm 91:9-11
14 The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. 15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” Psalm 118:14-16
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” John 14:23
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5
Other Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God to Consider Using
20 “The God of heaven will give us success.” Nehemiah 2:20a*
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
9 “ ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” Haggai 2:9b*
The Best Exhortations for a House Blessing or the
Dedication of a Building
11 [Y]ou shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household. Deuteronomy 26:11*
14 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14a, 15*
13 “[I]f you devote your heart to him [God the Almighty] and stretch out your hands to him, 14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, 15 then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. 16 You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. 17 Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. 18 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. 19 You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.” Job 11:13-19*
10 [E]ach one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10b-11*
Other Exhortations to Consider Using
20 “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you . . . .” 1 Chronicles 28:20*
The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God for
a House Blessing or the Dedication of a Building
23 “LORD, . . . , there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant . . . ; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.” 1 Kings 8:23-24*
Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using
28 “Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised . . . good things to your servant.” 2 Samuel 7:28*
5 [T]he LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5*
4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4
The Best Benedictions and Blessings for a House Blessing
or the Dedication of a Building
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17
1 Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Psalm 112:1b, 3*
Other Benedictions and Blessings to Consider Using
13 “The LORD bless you!” 1 Samuel 15:13a*
17 “ ‘May the LORD your God be with you.’ ” 2 Samuel 14:17b*
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— Psalm 67:1
8 “The blessing of the LORD be on you; . . . .” Psalm 129:8*