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Include spiritual items: reading, and/or a Rosary, and/or a cross, and/or a bible and/or a journal on a side table next to your chair or kneeler. Surround yourself with your choice of holy images. This can help focus your prayer time by reflecting on the lives of Jesus, Mary, and the Saints. Develop The Space. Once the location is selected, the next step is to find a space within that specific place. Now that it is chosen, it needs to be developed. The minimum might include a small statue, a crucifix, or an icon. Choose something beautiful or meaningful. It is very beneficial for children to associate God with beauty. Monasteries offer a large selection of images, for all tastes and at all prices. These images can be placed on a small table or hung on the wall, but always at the height of the smallest children. Candles. Another important element is a candle or candles of choice. The flame speaks to us about the love of God, the fire of the Holy Spirit, the light of Christ who guides us. Some families light three candles, one for each Person of the Holy Trinity. (God, The Holy Spirit, and Christ). Others light as many candles as members of the family: each one his own and, when there are absentees, their candles are there to represent them. During Advent or Lent, the number of candles may increase from week to week. On the anniversary of their baptism, the children can also light their candle, with supervision of course. Flowers (fresh and not faded). Live plants bring life and cheerfulness to a prayer corner. Children will be happy to find flowers outside on walks to place there. Bulletin Boards. You might also consider a small bulletin board You can hang children’s drawings, Scripture quotes (that of the Sunday’s day), photos of people for whom you want to pray, especially godchildren, etc. Place it in your prayer area. Other elements. Rugs, appropriate lighting, a small shelf with books and notebooks, stools or small benches, a speaker, and more can complete your prayer corner. Enjoy setting up this special space and let it evolve with time and inspiration.
Praying is Comfort We can pray anywhere, at any time! And we don’t even need to utter a word. Sometimes the most beautiful prayers are tears of pain or sorrow, looking toward Heaven to find comfort (John 11:35). Our faith teaches us that we are able to communicate with our God, along with the Angels, and the Saints anytime and anywhere! What an incredibly beautiful and comforting reality this is. Beauty is also found when we imitate Christ. In the Gospels, we often read that Christ goes off by Himself to pray (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). We can create a space in our home where we can retreat to and find Christ. When we create a designated space for prayer, quiet, solitude, silence, and listening within our home it allows us to hear God’s voice in our life more clearly. Our connection to God strengthens.
Why Create a Prayer Corner in Your Home? Within our homes, we designate places for cooking, eating, socializing, sleeping, and bathing. Do you have a special spot for God within your home? A place set aside for Him, your Heavenly Father, who created and breathed life into you? The word “consecration” means “to set apart,” and you should consecrate a space in our home to God. We must give God our best space and our best time. When we order our hearts and homes correctly–with God as the head of our families–our lives transform, and we begin to experience true freedom and joy. Making a prayer corner in your home is one way to create a special spot for you to spend time with God. It is essential for each of us to retreat with our Heavenly Father in silence and love. God has so many plans for your heart. He has so much to tell you, and so many ways that He wants to express His love for you. It is important that we take time for Him and listen to all He has to share with us.
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