Go

Contact Us

( )   -

Contact Us

  • Phone: (651) 464-3323
  • Mailing Address: 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025

 

 

Faith Ministry Stories

Create a Sacred Space at Home

Posted by Deacon Nina Joygaard on

If you’re anything like me, you’re spending more time at home than usual these days.  Let’s take this opportunity to create sacred space at home. Having a home altar has helped me take time away to really breathe in God’s presence and re-center myself when things feel crazy. Here are some tips for how to build your own altar at home.

First - Decide who will use it and how.  If you want it to be an inspiration for calm or a reminder to pray – place it in a prominent area of your home.  If you’d like it to provide a place apart for some time away, tuck it in a quiet corner somewhere. A side table, crate, or even a window ledge can work for this!

Next – Set it apart as a holy space.  Add a symbol that reminds you of God’s presence and love. It could be a cross, a heart, or a piece of artwork – repurpose something from the wall if needed or use something your kids have made.  Make it feel special by using an altar cloth. This can be a cloth napkin, dish towel, scarf, or even a hanky.

Add prayer tools that fit how you hope to use it. This could be the Lenten devotional booklet you got at church or a Bible. Or consider a notebook, journal, coloring books and markers (for kids or adults). A yoga mat, meditation cushion, or even knitting supplies are also great additions – depending on what works for you.

Engage the senses.  An altar should be a visual reminder of God’s presence, but even more add sounds, smells, and textures.  A candle is a great addition and something I always like to include because it can symbolize the breath of God and creates sound and smells.  Consider adding a small fountain (if you have one), diffusing essential oils, or using an app for nature sounds or white noise. If you’re a person who likes texture, include a river rock, stress ball, or a cross that you can hold while you pray.

Finally, make it yours.  Think about what brings life, calm and calls to mind your loving Creator.  When collecting items - use personal things, the cross you painted, your child’s artwork, the pocket-square your husband wore for your wedding.  I love nature and like my holy space to remind me that God has created me and everything, so I always include nature elements like plants, rocks, or shells.  Maybe music is what stirs you most to God’s presence – make your altar on top of your piano. Do what works for you and then use the space for God’s presence, breath, and peace in your life. Include your children so that it is their space too!

If you don’t know what to do or where to start using your altar.  I would suggest lighting a candle and making yourself present in the holy space you have created. Then read 1 Psalm each day and just take a few minutes to breathe and let it sink in.  See how it goes!  For parents, you may want to schedule in kids’ prayer time each day. Please share this to encourage others!