Personal Sanctuary

Personal Sanctuary

A sanctuary is a place of safety.  A place of refuge.  A place to retreat to when life becomes too full.  We all need a place like this in our lives.  This is why this spiritual practice is so helpful.  It helps us create a physical space in our lives where we can put away the distractions of this world and spend time with God.

1.) On the back of a piece of paper, draw the spaces and places in your life where you feel the most relaxed and peaceful.

Is it inside or outside?  Are there people around or are you by yourself?  Is there food or drink?  Are you sitting or standing, or walking?

2.) Begin to see this space as special or sacred and start to think of ways of protecting it for yourself.

What will you bring into this space with you?

(Bible, journal, nothing, etc?)

What will you keep out of this space?

(Phones, devices, etc.)

3.) How often do you want to use this space?

Daily?  Weekly?  Monthly?  Randomly?

4.). Let people in your home know that you are creating a Personal Sanctuary

5.) This week, practice spending time in your sanctuary.

Maybe it’s just 3-5 minutes, or maybe it’ll be 20  minutes or more?  Don’t be discouraged if it’s a shorter amount of time.  The goal is to put yourself in this space to quiet the noise from the world around you and to spend time with God.

What can you do in your Personal Sanctuary?

Here are three ideas of what you can do in your Personal Sanctuary: Read your Bible, write in a journal, and spend time in prayer.

Read your Bible

To Learn About Jesus:

Mark – The shortest Gospel, perfect for a quick yet powerful introduction to Jesus' life, teachings, and miracles.

John – Focuses on the love of God and who Jesus is, making it both inspiring and deeply personal.

For Encouragement and Practical Guidance:

Proverbs – Offers practical wisdom for daily life and addresses topics like friendships, choices, and integrity.

James – A short, straightforward book filled with practical advice for living out faith.

For Stories of Faith and Courage:

Genesis – Filled with foundational stories about God’s creation, promises, and people like Abraham, Joseph, and Noah.

Daniel – Highlights the faithfulness of a young man in a challenging culture.

To Explore Personal Identity and Purpose:

Ephesians – Teaches about identity in Christ, spiritual growth, and relationships.

1 Timothy – Paul’s letter to a young leader, offering encouragement and advice on faith and maturity.

To Encourage Perseverance:

Psalms – A mix of prayers and songs that express raw emotions, from joy to sadness, and demonstrate trust in God.

Hebrews – Encourages perseverance in faith, focusing on Jesus as the ultimate example.

Write in a journal:

What to Write About?

Writing looks different for everyone, and there’s no “right” way to do it. You might jot down bullet points, draw something, write individual words, or even craft full paragraphs. You can also pray on paper by writing a letter to God. The goal is to think deeply and capture your thoughts.

Try spending 10 minutes writing in your journal, using these suggestions to guide you. If you find you love journaling, grab an extra notebook for more space.

Write About the Bible Passages You Read

  • What stood out to you?

  • Was there anything that you were drawn to?

  • Was there anything that challenged you?

  • Did the text mention any commands?

  • Were any promises made?

  • Did the passage raise questions for you?

  • Was there anything that didn’t make sense?

Write About God

  • What have you noticed about Him recently?

  • How has your relationship with God grown this year?

  • How has your relationship with God struggled this year?

Write About Yourself

  • What’s taking up the most space in your mind—good or bad?

  • What are you struggling with?

  • What are you afraid of?

  • Is there anything you feel ashamed or regretful about?

  • Where are you thriving?

  • What are you thankful for?

  • What kind of person do you want to become in terms of character, morals, or leadership?

  • What do you want to be known for as a friend?

Spend time praying:

What to Pray About:

When you start praying, it might feel strange since you won’t hear God respond the way people do—but don’t let that stop you. Talk to Him and take time to listen too. If your mind wanders, that’s okay. Be kind to yourself and pick up where you left off. To stay focused, you can make a list of things you want to pray about. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Say “Thank You”

Make a list of what you’re thankful for today—big things or small blessings. Then, take time to thank God for them.

Say “Wow”

Notice how amazing God is! Spend a moment appreciating His creation. Maybe step outside to see the beauty around you. When you’re in awe, say, “God, You’re awesome!”

Be Honest

God values honesty in your relationship. If you’ve messed up, admit it. If you’re hurting, share that. Even if you’re struggling to trust Him, tell Him—He’s ready to listen and won’t be upset.

Ask for Help

It’s okay to pray for yourself! Think of it like a child asking their parent for help. God is your Heavenly Father, and He wants to hear about your needs and support you.

Pray for Others

Take time to pray for people in your life—your family, friends, and even those you don’t get along with. Pray for leaders, teachers, or anyone you know who might need encouragement. If you’re not sure what they need, ask them, or simply pray for their well-being.