Creating Prayer Spaces at Home

“Simply by placing a candle, cross, Bible or other object on a piece of cloth can designate a special place.”

- Sharon Ely Pearson -

Being in self-isolation, lockdown or physical distancing at home for the next while will likely be messy. We are now using the same space for work, for family, for learning, for resting and for play. Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other sacred spaces are closed and, whilst services are now happening online thanks to technology, there is a real need to maintain a personal intimacy with God.

Have you considered creating a prayer space?

When you create a Prayer Space in your home, you are reminded of God’s presence at all times, while also making a connection between church and home. Such a space can be created using the centre or an end of the dining table, on an end table or coffee table, on a mantel or shelf. You can also post notes, prayers, sayings, petitions, pictures on the refrigerator, bulletin board, or even the bathroom mirror. Invite family members to check out the space on a daily basis.

Items for Your Prayer Space

Simply by placing a candle, cross, Bible or other object on a piece of cloth can designate a special place. Think of using the colours of the liturgical year: green for seasons of Epiphany and post-Pentecost (Ordinary Time), blue or violet for Advent, white for Christmas and Easter, purple for Lent and red for Pentecost. You can use pieces of fabric or a special scarf or prayer shawls that is square or oblong. Paper, place mats or napkins can also suffice.

A special bowl or basket on a table will serve to remind others to pray about a special intention and to place their own petitions or requests on a piece of paper for putting into the bowl or basket. A candle placed in a special spot can also call the family to prayer during time of need. Add objects such as a Bible, book, pottery, flowers, fruit, pictures, prayer cards, icons, salt, water, oil, a branch of a tree or bush.

You may like to leave the Prayer Space intact all the time or you can design a Prayer Space each time you gather to pray alone or with your family by placing the objects reverently and inviting others to join you in creating the space. Perhaps family members can gather items from the garden to bring to prayer spaces each day

More Ideas for Prayer at Home

• You may want to create a portable Prayer Space that is brought out just for prayer and Quiet Times. Put together a prayer box out of a gift box or a plastic storage box and fill it with stones, shells, candles, a cross (or other significant icons for your faith), a prayer shawl or a cloth.

• Others might want to arrange a quiet place to sit and reflect: a comfortable chair, books, and quiet music.

• Or you may want to create an area outdoors where it is conducive to prayer and meditate.

• Your children may like to create their own Prayer Space in their bedroom or a favourite spot in the house.

My prayer space today:

• My beautiful prayer box holds a candle in a nest to remind me of God's light in the world and Rosary beads.

• The globe reminds me to pray for the world at this time of Covid-19

• The figurine symbolises my walk with Jesus and that I do not travel alone

• The glass house (a tealight holder) is for a blessing over our home and all who find rest here

• The starfish to remember family and friends across the ocean

• A holding cross for when I pray

• A photograph of my children, Courtney & Luke who are both living away from home right now and who I hold up in prayer constantly, especially at this time

The ideas can be endless – I'd love to hear your ideas and see photos of your prayer space. Please share them in the 'Comments' section below!