C-19 Reflection #85: Creating Sacred Space

C~19 (#85)

Theme: Creating Sacred Space

Scripture: 

Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:6 (The Message)

 6 “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

Reflection:

I find that we constantly need encouragement about how to think about and practice our daily life with God. Here is a nice reminder from my friend Mike Barlow, in collaboration with Matthew 6:6.

“One of the books that has been part of my morning routine is entitled ‘Sacred Space’. It is a resource prepared by the Irish Jesuits and published annually. It has been one of the tools that I have used to nourish myself spiritually and, as the title indicates, create some space for God in my day. One of the challenges we all face depending on where we are at on the journey is finding time to nurture our relationship with God. If we can solve the ‘time/space’ issue, inevitably the next question is, “what do I do? Or where do I start?” I have found that this little book as well as a book entitled ‘Seeking God’s Face’ to be very helpful. They both follow the liturgical calendar that, among other things, ensures that there is a biblical passage to be read each day. 

The word ‘sacred’ refers to a thing or a place that is dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity. For the Christ-follower this deity worthy of our time and worship is none other than the triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. While it is wholly beneficial and necessary to set apart time for the service and worship of God, it should be a discipline that flows from the gracious activity of God in our lives; a thankful response to his ongoing pursuit of us and his ongoing self-revelation.” ~ Mike Barlow

* “Seeking God’s Face", mentioned in the reflection today is a daily prayer book written by my former  pastoral colleague, Phil Reinders. Along with providing daily scripture readings and prayers, it provides questions and prayer suggestions that help us to engage in scripture and prayer personally and missionally. ~ pj