How to Create a Sacred Space

A Penchant for Design:

I have been arranging furniture and styling rooms as long as I can remember.  Much to the chagrin of both my parents, it was not an uncommon occurrence for them to come home form an outing and find a room in our house completely turned around.

I’m all grown up now but I still love to design spaces although the purpose has changed. I have found that creating an environment with specific intent toward connecting with the Divine truly does assist people in their spiritual journeys.  When you build a sacred space, wether public or private, you are nurturing holy connections.

Sacred Space:

Developing space so that it suits your needs is essential.  Equally, a personal sanctuary should exude comfort and style.  In Scripture,  God devotes an enormous amount of time to dictating the measurements, style, and use of space.

In the first chapter of the first book of The Bible, Genesis, God’s first act is to form spaces for water, land and animals.  These spaces are not just your run of the meal originals but are intentionally created as”good.”The rest of the initial chapters of Genesis explain how God chooses to develop, use, and beautify that “good” space.  Beginning in chapter 25 of the book of Exodus God lays tells Moses how the Tabernacle, the meeting and worship space for the Hebrew people, should be constructed and designed.  Direct and clear guidance is given even for simple adornments such as buds and branches that adorn a golden lamp. (Ex25: 36-38)

The intention with which God developed the world  is an indication of the natural inclination that we  have for fostering beautiful and useful design for the spaces where we live, work, and worship.  Setting apart spaces for holy encounters with God is well precedented in the Bible.

Taking time to think about what makes the space around you sacred is integral to fostering a deeper connection with God. Equally, setting aside a small, private space as your own personal sanctuary can greatly enhance your spiritual practices and disciplines. Creating sacred space may sound like a daunting task but it is possible for anyone to do.

 

Steps to creating sacred space:

1. Define the space that you wish to foster as a sacred zone, no personal space is off limits.
2. Spend some time in silent reflection in that space. With paper and pen draw any images and write any significant words that come to your mind about the space.  Use these to define how you will set up the space.
3. Create a central focus within the space- utilizing the images brought to mind during your silent reflection- this can be a window, a piece of art, a table turned altar.
4.  Add a few needed items to make the space comfortable [ex. a pillow or chair for sitting, a carpet for warmth, a spot for tea].  
5. Create a spot for a plant in the space.
6. Enhance and frame any natural light coming into the space.
7. Bring multiple sources of lighting into the space.
8. Clear any clutter that surrounds the space
9. Place essential items in the space that will harness your intent and purpose for your spiritual practices [For ex: if it’s scripture reading, add a Bible; if it’s prayer, add a cross, rosary; if it’s prayer journaling, add paper and writing utensils etc.] 
10. Ask the presence of The Spirit to bless and sanctify the space.

Everyone has a space in their lives they wish were more inviting, beautiful, and sacred.  Identify one in your world that could use a sacred space makeover. You will find that it takes little time and simple steps to create a sacred space.

Application:

L1: Set aside 30 minutes when you are alone and take a walk through your living quarters.  Identify 1 place where you wish you could be without distractions.  Next, clear the clutter and distractions away. Finally, stand or sit in that clear space and light a candle.  Sit silently for 5 minutes in this space.

L2 &L3: Follow the above listed steps for creating sacred space and post your before and after pics to RevWren’s FB page or email them to RevWren via the contact page.

May the Road Rise Up to Meet Y’all,

Rev. Wren Clanton