How to create a prayer nook in 10 minutes

Do you find it difficult to make time for prayer? Do you make it through the day and realize you spoke to God only once or twice? The home is a domestic Church, and more and more people are choosing to set aside a place in their homes for prayer. Don’t be intimidated by the gorgeous Instagram photos; with only 10 minutes and some intentionality, you too can create a cozy prayer nook where you and your family can draw closer to God. 

Make space

The first step is to choose a location in your home. Is it a closet that goes unused? A corner of your living room? You can even clear off a shelf if that’s all the space you have! Wherever it is, make sure it is somewhere that you can sit or kneel and be with the Lord. Some people place a small table there to use as a make-shift altar. Perhaps have a comfy chair angled towards the corner. Perhaps you own a prie-dieu, kneeler, or floor cushion you can place nearby. The goal is to make a space you will want to be in and pray. 

Add an image

The next step is your image or statue. Catholics believe that, since human beings are body and soul, having an image to look at while praying helps us to focus our minds on God. Many Catholics dedicate their home to the Sacred Heart. Others have a particular devotion to Our Lady under one of her titles. If you are particularly on the ball, you can change out the image depending on the feast or the liturgical season. For now, however, simply find an image in your home and place it in your designated prayer nook. Hang the images on the wall. Place your statue on the little table. If you own a relic, this is the perfect place for it to be properly reverenced.

Candles for the Light of the World

When trying to build a habit of prayer, having a repeated motion or act can be helpful. Catholics do this naturally by making the sign of the cross. Another way to prepare your mind for prayer is to light a candle. Whether you own beautiful candlesticks or a simple tealight on a saucer, lighting a candle before prayer will help you to be more intentional. They are also beautiful and symbolic; as the little stream of smoke rises from the candle, so do your prayers rise to God.

Devotionals

The next step is to place several devotional items nearby to help you pray. Not all of us can be mystics, caught up in the presence of God with nothing but their heart and mind. We need words, objects, and acts. Place or hang your rosary within easy reach. Put your Bible or other spiritual books nearby. Add a book or a jar in which you write your intentions so you and your family remember to pray for them. 

How often has your prayer been distracted by tangled rosary beads or a misplaced Liturgy of the Hours? Having them all in one place will help you spend your time in prayer, instead of begging St. Anthony to help you find your holy items. 

Bonus item: Flowers

While this may take you a bit longer than 10 minutes, it is something extra that can make all the difference. Add a vase with flowers. Flowers have been a part of Catholic worship since the death of Jesus. Did you know that they found flowers on the Shroud of Turin? Adding fresh flowers to your shrine will draw you in and ensure that you take care of the little prayer corner. It doesn’t have to break the bank; have your children pick dandelions from the yard, or collect beautiful fall leaves for Mary. Flowers add something to our experience of prayer, as the Church in her wisdom recognizes with the presence of flowers on the main altar in church.