Each time I begin Compline on-line, I encourage us all to take a moment to be still, to take a deep breath, and to remember that this time and this place are holy and sacred, and God is with us. Ahead of the On-line Retreats I encourage guests to create a Sacred Space at home.

Some places feel naturally sacred; holy buildings such as churches and cathedrals, set aside places such as Quiet Gardens, maybe a favourite walk with a view, or being at the edge of land and sea. Covid and the pandemic, particularly the times of Lockdown, have meant that home has become the place for everything. Home is where we rest, eat, study, work, pray and play… Here we may do family, or we may be alone. Our homes may feel overstuffed with the clutter of family life, or simply years of amassing objects and paperwork. Home may alternatively feel, at times, a little bit empty. Home is also the place where technology connects us with the outside world, and conversely intrudes upon our sanctuary.

What makes a space truly sacred, is the time spend praying within it, which is why ancient church buildings feel the way that they do; generations of people over hundreds of years have faithfully prayed and worshipped within them. We may just be beginning, but the more time spent praying within the space we have set aside, no matter how small, the more sacred it will feel.

Here are my ‘six of the best’ top tips to create a Sacred Space within your home:

Light a Candle

Lighting a candle is perhaps the simplest way of denoting the change in space from something very ordinary to something very special. Think of the difference a few candles on a cake can make. A scented candle will perfume your Sacred Space and is reminiscent of ‘prayers rising like incense’. The life of the flame provides a visual focus which helps to take the mind away from the humdrum of daily life. Even the action of striking a match to light a candle helps to place us in a different place spiritually.

Clear Away the Clutter

Perhaps you should do this before lighting the candle! A cluttered space is not only a fire risk, but a distracting reminder of things that needs to be done, whether that’s paying a bill or folding away laundry. You don’t have to declutter the whole house, or even room, but a corner which is kept permanently neat and tidy can become an oasis of peace amidst a busy life. If you (like me) are not naturally tidy, it will take restraint not to leave things in your sanctuary ‘just for now’, but this is the first step towards becoming cluttered once more. It will also take vigilance to prevent those you share your home with from seeing it as a handy space for their clutter.

Choose your lighting

For me a south facing window provides the perfect lighting solution and some warmth, as long as the sun is shining. For you it may be a seat in a conservatory, the garden (or shed if it’s raining), maybe even the attic. If you want to use your Sacred Space after dark or before light, then spend some time working out the best lighting solution for you. Carefully positioned lamps create a warmer atmosphere than overhead lighting, but if you are intending to read in your space or if your eyesight requires more lumens, then work towards that.

Sound check

Is your Sacred Space a place where you can be quiet? Most sound sources can be dealt with: phones and watches and other devices can be silenced most effectively by leaving them in a different room. Children and animals are a different kettle of fish. You may want to invite your pets into your sanctuary, a cat on your lap may be soothing, but a dog barking at the pigeons less so. For partners and older children a ‘do not disturb sign’ can help protect your space especially if backed up by consequences: a promised hug or time spent together if left undisturbed. Smaller children will struggle with this, and baby sitters or support from co-parents is ideal. At the very minimum try to find the quietest toys for them to play with, or perhaps even cuddle your child on your lap for a nap?

Choose your image

Is there an image that ‘speaks’ to you which can be placed in your Sacred Space? Many people find it helpful to spend time with a painting or other picture, sometimes sitting with it for large periods, or just popping back to it from time to time. The picture may change frequently or stay the same for many years. It could be a framed picture you hang from the wall, or a postcard upon a mini easel or propped up on your window sill. If you aren’t a visual person, perhaps a poem, or quotation to ponder over.

Have something to do

This may seem to go against the concept of a Sacred Space, but having a non-busy activity to do can actually still the mind. Crocheting, knitting, tapestry have all been known to help combat anxiety. Journaling (writing or sketching) your hopes, concerns, thoughts, prayers, dreams… can also help to bring a sense of balance to an overwrought mind. Perhaps fiddling with a piece of clay (or even playdough) will occupy your hands and help them guide you to a more meditative and prayerful frame of mind.

Your Sacred Space doesn’t have to be Instagram perfect, it simply needs to be inviting, a place where you feel at ease and able to give yourself to God; a place where you can find the sacred in the midst of every day life. The more time you carve out to spend there, the more sacred it will become, and hopefully the closer to God you will find yourself.