Everyone knows that holy water is one of the most significant sacramentals in the Catholic Church. But did you know that it may be used outside of the divine walls of the church as well? If you have faith, you can find a use for holy water in your everyday life and activities, from blessing your home daily while praying to blessing your loved ones and even your prized possessions, such as your car or books.
Although it may appear to be a simple element, holy water is a pure substance that, when used wisely, has the power to purify, protect, and bless you. Although there is no set method for using holy water, there are some rules and guidelines you may follow. Let's first take a look at how to bless an object with holy water.
Blessing Objects With Holy Water
It is recommended that you use holy water to bless the important objects in your life, whether it is your car, the flowerbed in your yard, your books, or anything else that you believe needs a blessing.
- Step 1: Blessing an object with holy water is a simple process. In the first step, simply sprinkle the holy water on the object of your choice. If you're storing the water in a container, dip a sprig of sage or a small branch from a tree in your garden into the holy water and sprinkle it on the object. Alternatively, many holy water bottles are equipped with a squirt lid for easy sprinkling. While it is not advisable to sprinkle holy water directly on delicate objects such as books or appliances, you may bless them by dipping your fingers in the holy water and gently touching those objects.
- Step 2: Once you’ve sprinkled the holy water, make a sign of the cross
- Step 3: After you've sprinkled the holy water, make the sign of the cross. While no specific prayer is associated with holy water blessings, it is recommended that you say one. You can say the Lord's Prayer or any of the Catholic prayers. You could simply invoke the Lord and seek His blessings with your own reverent words. Here is a simple prayer you could say:
“Lord, God Almighty, creator of all life, of body and soul, we ask you to bless this water: as we use it in faith forgive our sins and save us from all illness and the power of evil. Lord, in your mercy, give us living water, always springing up as a fountain of salvation; free us, body and soul, from every danger, and admit us to your presence in purity of heart."
Whatever the prayer, it is advised to perform the ritual with as much reverence and faith as possible.
Disposing Of Holy Water
Although holy water lasts longer than regular water, storing it for an extended time is not recommended as it may attract mold or other bacteria. This is especially true if you often dip your fingers in it. You can dispose of the holy water reverently and refill it at regular intervals with fresh holy water. However, you must never pour holy water down the drain or sink. Pour it instead into the ground in the back of your yard, as this implies that it has returned to its source.
This potent substance has the power to bless and alter your life greatly, so use it mindfully!