One Deacon's Journey

Transform Ordinary Space into Sacred Space and Enhance Worship

Adapted by Rev. Cheryln Gates from

Reminders of God: Altars for Personal and Family Devotion by Anne F. Grizzle

Altars are part of our religious tradition. They are a visual indication of a peoples’ allegiance to God and establish a regular place for prayer. Abraham, Jacob, Joshua and Samuel all built altars to the Lord to mark important events and to be a visual reminder of God’s action in their lives. The Jewish diaspora view their homes as ‘little sanctuaries’ where they teach their children, through ritual, around the most basic worship altar, the family table. The Word of God is affixed to the frame of the home’s entrance in the form of a mezuzah, “ __ small capsule that holds a scroll bearing the words of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. These passages command parents to teach the commandments of God to their children throughout all the activities and places of daily life and to place the words of God on their doorposts.”[1]

Is your home a place of worship? A small altar as simple as a small table or shelf helps to maintain a tradition of worship in the home. Home altars promote a deepening of faith and strengthen personal spiritual practice.

By building an altar, you sanctify a space for worship… In all time and places, you are called to acknowledge and give thanks to God.[2] Is your home set apart as dedicated to God?

The home altar makes a statement about your dedication to God. It invites you to enter into worship and prayer. Over time, the space becomes a “reservoir of spiritual memories.”[3]

Choose a comfortable place, a form (table, shelf, even an upturned crate), a simple white cloth or special seasonal cloth, and the objects that already remind you of times and places when God has been near; when struggles with God have shaped your faith; images that help you sense the sacred-ness of God. Begin with a bible, add a source of light if desired, and consider a prayer journal.  The altar is not the object of worship rather it is a portal to your encounter with God. Daily worship opens you to the small moments of God in everyday things.

When worship in the home is part of a daily routine, weekly corporate worship can become a richer experience.

This page has the following sub pages.

• Use Your Worship Space Regularly
• Morning Prayer Liturgy
• Compline Liturgy