A Certain Place

Jesus was praying in a certain place. // Luke 11:1

A directee of mine wanted to create a prayer space in her home, a certain corner in her bedroom. As she sat in my office, she bubbled on and on about how much fun she was having—choosing a chair, painting the walls, finding the perfect pillows and throw. She stopped herself several times, worried she was enjoying creating the space too much. I told her, “Enjoy it! You’re creating space for you and the Lord! Let your heart go wild.”

Of course we can pray anywhere at any time in any situation: in the car, standing in line at the grocery store, on our knees before the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration, as we weed the flowers, cook dinner, or walk the dogs. We are encouraged to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), which necessitates praying everywhere and in every situation.

But I do think that “a certain place” to pray is something worth exploring. It’s worth the effort to establish a space in your home that is designated prayer space, even if that’s just your favorite, comfy chair. Anoint it, bless it with holy water, have your priest bless it the next time he’s at your house. Create a place for prayer that everyone in the family recognizes and honors and has permission to use for that purpose.

I have often wondered if Jesus had a favorite place to pray. When I was in the Holy Land, there were a few locations that were suggested as places Jesus prayed. Scripture seems to point to Him having favorite spots, as He often stole away up the mountain—“he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives” (Luke 22:39)—or as in today’s Reading, He was “in a certain place” (Luke 11:1) as He prayed.

If even Jesus needed to remove Himself to a quiet place to pray, how much more do we need to make the effort to do so?

Do you have a spot in your home designated for prayer? Could you, as a family, create such a space? What might change in your home if you did?