My daughter, Jordan, always jokes whenever we travel together: “Here we go on our ‘how many old churches can we visit’ tour.”
I’ve visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the Cathedral of Cologne, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in both Ireland and New York. Each time, I’m struck by the prayers whispered in those places—countless petitions for peace and healing offered to God over the centuries. In these sacred spaces, I’ve felt both God’s presence and His quiet challenge: to bring His holiness back into our worship.
One of my favorite statues is in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s called La Pietà (Latin for “pity”). The sculpture depicts a crucified Jesus being held by His mother, Mary. Standing there, I could almost feel the pain she experienced as she cradled her dead son. Little did she know that within three days, she would hold Him again—alive. I could have lingered there all day, but Jordan pulled me along to continue our tour.
Leanne Payne taught that symbols “bind up reality.” In The Healing Presence, she wrote, “The symbol is the language of the heart… it binds together the seen and the unseen, the temporal and the eternal.” [1] For centuries, the Church has used sacred symbols. They are not as objects of worship, but as invitations: to gaze heavenward, meditate on the mysteries of God, and worship with awe.
Hebrews 9:1-4 reminds us that even in the Old Testament, God provided sacred objects to focus worship: “Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. For a tent was prepared, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, with the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant…” These objects were never meant to be worshiped themselves; they were designed to draw the heart toward God.
Whether you are Protestant or Catholic, consider creating a sacred space in your own home—a place where you can spend time with the Lord. Ask God to show you what draws your heart to Him. Perhaps it’s a piece of sacred art, a vial of anointing oil or holy water, a small statue, or a simple painting of Christ. Whatever you choose, let it serve as a reminder that the kingdom of God is near—that heaven meets earth in the quiet place where you worship.
Of course, crosses, oil, or art aren’t necessary to worship God. But there are moments when I need to sit before a crucifix—to remember that my sin, and the sin committed against me, was paid for at a high cost. To envision it lifting off me and resting upon His wounds is necessary for freedom.
Reflection Questions:
- What objects or images help you feel closer to God?
- How could you create a small sacred space in your home for worship and reflection?
- When have you felt the presence of God most strongly in a quiet or sacred place?
[1] Payne, Leanne. The Healing Presence. Baker Books, 1995, p. 152.
