Creating Sacred Space At Home
Watch a short video with Pastor Chris and then read some thoughts on how we can create “sacred space” in our homes.
When you hear "sacred space" what do you think of? Is it a worship space with a grand choir and lots of stained glass? A small country chapel on a quiet side road? A place that is particularly meaningful in your memory?
I wonder if you thought of your home? I know for me it can be hard to think of my house as "sacred" space; especially when it is covered in toys and half-finished boxes of raisins. It is easy for me to think that I need to go somewhere else to find sacred space, but in these days of stay-at-home orders and extended worship I've been rethinking how I engage with sacred space.
So what exactly do I mean by "sacred space?" I would offer a simple definition: any space that allows us to more easily connect with God. Importantly, these spaces are created through both physical and spiritual/emotional elements. In other words, the most beautiful space in the world will not be sacred to me if my mind is distracted, and conversely, a tremendously ordinary location can be a place of deep spiritual meaning if I am in the right mindset.
Tips for Creating Sacred Space
Our homes can be, with just a little thought, transformed into sacred spaces where worship is just as meaningful as any sanctuary. Since our own spiritual journeys are so incredibly unique, there isn't a recipe for this, but here are some ideas:
Try to find a place in your home where you already go to feel at peace. Think about where you go when you want to calm down or need a moment to yourself. For me, it is often the wooden rocker on our front porch.
For many people a comfortable place to sit is a key element, as it allows us to relax. My only suggestion is this not be your bed; it can become too easy for prayer time to become nap time. Not that nap time is a bad thing, it's just different from prayer time.
If there are physical distractions in the space, see if there is an easy way to move them. Even if they don't leave the room, maybe you can rearrange the space so they are out of your sight.
See if there is a way to bring meaningful or peaceful items into the space. These might be pictures of family and friends, candles, plants, chimes, etc. For me, the wind chimes on our porch are a gentle reminder of the movement of the Spirit.
In addition to physical changes in the space, consider your spiritual/emotional state as you enter your sacred space. Here are a few thoughts:
When entering a time of worship or prayer, try to do so intentionally. Decide that this is a time you are going to focus on prayer, or reading scripture, or engaging in extended worship. Allow yourself to set aside other concerns until your time of worship or prayer is over.
Mark the start and end of your time with a pattern. This might be taking a few deep breaths, lighting a candle, or reciting a prayer or verse of scripture.
Try to set aside distractions that might pull you away from your sacred space. Turn your phone on silent or "do not disturb" - especially if you are using it as part of your prayer or worship time. If you aren't planning to use your phone you might even leave it in another room.
Intentional Sacred Space of one Trinity member.
I hope these ideas are helpful as you find your own sacred space. Here is an example of sacred space shared by one of our Trinity members; this is how she describes her space,
"I have some special artwork, objects from nature, and books that I have placed as reminders here, only some of which are overtly “religious.” Here is my practice: I walk in and feel the calm, and the first thing I do after sitting is to take several slow deep breaths. I notice what is around me, see what is new outside my window, and settle in. Sometimes I light a candle, mostly if I’m celebrating evening prayer. The piano is near if I feel like playing a quiet song, or I might just use a song on my phone. Having no singing bowl, I can ring a bell that belonged my schoolteacher aunt, but lighting a candle is enough."
My personal practice of sacred space is different and usually takes one of two forms. If I am planning to read, and the weather is decent, I often sit in the rocking chair on our front porch. I have a small table (which holds a cup of tea or coffee very nicely), some wind chimes, and that is about all. If I am wanting to spend time in prayer I will often go for a walk on the trail near our house. These moments of quiet are important for me.
I hope these ideas are helpful to you as you explore creating sacred space in your own home. I would love to hear your experiences, or even see a photo, of the space you find.
Celebrating Extended Communion
As we enter into Holy Week we will be celebrating Communion as a community from our individual homes. I know this might be a strange thing for you, so I wanted to offer some tips / assurances that might be helpful.
Preparing for Communion
You don't need to go to great lengths to prepare to share in Extended Communion. There are really only two things you need: Bread and Juice / Wine. The bread can be any bread you have on hand; sandwich bread, pita, or even unleavened bread like a saltine cracker. The juice / wine is traditionally from grapes, and if you can do that wonderful, but in this case get as close as you are able. You can have the bread on a regular plate and the juice / wine in a regular glass.
Presbyterians believe that Jesus is always a real, spiritual presence at the table. We don't need to have the "right" elements to make communion "count." What IS of importance is that we celebrate the feast together as the people of God. During our Extended Worship service I will talk you through what to do, so just have the bread and cup ready.
As always, if you have any questions I'd love to chat. Reach out via the "Contact Us" page, or just send me an email.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
