Prayer for this house

May nothing evil cross this door,

And may ill fortune never pry

About these windows; may the roar

And rain go by.

Strengthened by faith, these rafters will

Withstand the batt'ring of the storm;

This hearth, through all the world grow chill,

Will keep us warm.

Peace shall walk softly through these rooms,

Touching our lips with holy wine,

Till ev'ry casual corner blooms

Into a shine.

Laughter shall drown the raucous shout;

And, though these shelt'ring wall are thin,

May they be strong to keep hate out

And hold love in.