Ordinary Time

Pause

We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf.

from a prayer of confession in Enriching Our Worship

Listen

That’s why all the faithful should pray to you during troubled times, so that a great flood of water won’t reach them. You are my secret hideout! You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of rescue!

Psalm 32:6-7

Think

I love a good secret hideout. In my apartment, I am lucky enough to have a “prayer closet”: a closet space just big enough for a table and chair, where I keep my Bible, my prayer books, and a few special objects that remind me of God’s presence. I try to make time every day to sit down in my prayer closet, light a candle, and take a few quiet moments to talk to God.

Especially during troubled times, we all need secret hideouts where we can pray. When I’m out during the day and can’t retreat to my prayer closet, I carry a tiny shrine made from an Altoids tin. Inside the tin are a picture of Jesus, a candle, a few matches, and a miniature piece of fabric. All I need to do is unroll the fabric and light the candle to enjoy a sacred space that can fit in my pocket.

What are the objects that you consider most holy? How can you build your own sacred space?

Catherine Healy

Pray

Gracious God, you are my secret hideout. Help me to find sacred places in my everyday life so that I can listen for your voice and hear your songs of rescue. Amen.

Go

May you feel the love of the God who created you, walks beside you, and dwells within you — this day and always.