SpiriseBible
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret." - Matthew 6:6 (KJV)
Jesus understood the power of sacred space—a "closet" where earthly distractions fade and heavenly communion flourishes. In our age of open floor plans and pocket computers, finding and creating sacred space requires intentionality. The noise may be louder, but the need for quiet with God remains essential.
Why Sacred Space Matters
Physical environments shape spiritual experiences:
- Focused Attention: Dedicated spaces train our minds to focus
- Emotional Association: Certain places trigger spiritual hunger
- Consistent Routine: Same place daily builds spiritual muscle memory
- Reduced Distractions: Curated environments minimize interruptions
- Holy Anticipation: Special places create expectancy for God's presence
Digital Challenges to Sacred Space
Modern life works against sacred space:
Constant Connectivity: Phones make everywhere an office
Open Layouts: Privacy requires intentional creation
24/7 Availability: No natural boundaries on intrusion
Portable Distractions: Entertainment follows us everywhere
Always-On Culture: Silence seems unproductive
Creating Physical Sacred Space
- Choose Your Spot: Consistent location, even if small
- Remove Distractions: Clear clutter, silence devices
- Add Sacred Elements: Bible, journal, candle, cross
- Optimize Comfort: Good lighting, comfortable seating
- Protect the Space: Make it off-limits to other activities
Digital Sacred Space
Technology can also create sacred space:
Digital Sanctuary Apps: Apps designed for distraction-free devotion
Focus Modes: Phone settings that block non-spiritual content
Sacred Playlists: Worship music that creates atmosphere
Notification Silencing: Temporary disconnection from the world
Virtual Prayer Rooms: Online spaces designed for communion
The Portable Sacred Space
For busy people, sacred space must be portable:
- Car Sanctuary: Turn commute time into worship time
- Office Oasis: Five minutes of closed-door prayer
- Nature's Chapel: Find God outdoors during breaks
- Travel Temple: Hotel room devotions with familiar routines
- Digital Everywhere: SpiriseBible makes any location sacred
Sacred Time vs. Sacred Space
Sometimes sacred time matters more than sacred space:
Morning Sacred Hour: First hour belongs to God
Lunch Sacred Break: Midday check-in with heaven
Evening Sacred Wind-Down: Close the day with prayer
Weekend Sacred Rhythm: Extended time for deeper connection
Sacred Seasons: Advent, Lent, or personal retreat times
Protecting Sacred Space from Technology
Boundaries are essential:
- Phone-Free Zones: Some spaces remain tech-free
- Airplane Mode Prayer: Disconnect to reconnect
- Notification Hierarchy: Only emergencies interrupt God-time
- App Boundaries: Spiritual apps only during devotions
- Time Limits: Even good tech needs boundaries
When Sacred Space Is Impossible
Some seasons of life make traditional sacred space difficult:
- New parents with unpredictable schedules
- Caregivers with constant demands
- Students in shared living spaces
- Workers in open office environments
- Travelers with constantly changing locations
Grace adjusts expectations. God meets us where we are, not just where we'd prefer to be.
Internal Sacred Space
The most important sacred space is internal:
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16).
This internal temple can be accessed anywhere:
• Quiet your spirit while bodies jostle around you
• Practice God's presence in noisy environments
• Turn mundane moments into prayer opportunities
• Carry peace regardless of external chaos
• Recognize that your heart is God's dwelling place
The Technology Balance
Technology can both enhance and hinder sacred space:
Enhances when it:
- Provides beautiful worship music
- Offers guided prayer and meditation
- Connects you with others for prayer
- Reminds you to create sacred moments
Hinders when it:
- Constantly interrupts with notifications
- Creates addiction to stimulation
- Replaces silence with noise
- Makes us dependent on external validation
Sacred Space Best Practices
- Start small: Even a chair becomes sacred with intention
- Be consistent: Same place trains your spirit
- Prepare the night before: Remove barriers to entry
- Communicate boundaries: Let others know when you're with God
- Experiment freely: Find what works for your situation
The God Who Meets Us Anywhere
While sacred space helps, remember God isn't limited by location:
• Jacob found God on a rocky pillow in the wilderness
• Moses met God in a burning bush
• Elijah heard God in a still small voice on a mountain
• Jesus prayed in gardens, on mountains, in boats
• The early church met in homes, not cathedrals
God inhabits the praises of His people, regardless of the architecture.
Reflection Questions
- Where do you feel most connected to God currently?
- How can you better protect your sacred space from digital intrusions?
- What simple changes could make your devotional space more conducive to meeting God?
Prayer
Lord, in a world of constant noise and distraction, help me create spaces where I can hear Your voice clearly. Show me how to use technology to enhance my time with You, not hinder it. Give me creativity to find sacred space wherever I am and wisdom to protect it once found. Make my heart Your dwelling place so that I carry sacred space with me always. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Create or improve your sacred space today. If you have a spot, enhance it by removing one distraction and adding one element that draws you to God. If you don't have a space, claim one—even a corner of a room. Set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" and spend 15 minutes there with God using only SpiriseBible or a physical Bible. Let this be your first step toward regular sacred space habits.
