“It isn’t necessary that we stay in church in order to remain in God’s presence,” wrote Brother Lawrence. “We can make our hearts personal chapels where we can enter anytime to talk to God privately” [1].
Isn’t that a glorious realization?
After all, “God could have . . . made his sanctuary in the farthest galaxies, in the majestic mountains, in the deep oceans, or in the vast Grand Canyon. But he chose to live in you and me” [2].
Being a visual learner causes me to wonder, What might an imaginary, personal chapel look like?
I see intricately-carved marble bathed in golden light, stained glass windows creating rainbows on the walls, and a soaring ceiling that fosters awe and wonder.
I also see a long, winding staircase within the castle of my heart. It leads upward to this turret-chapel, far away from the concerns and distractions of the day.
Along that staircase, images line the walls—reminders of God’s attentive care through the years. By the time I reach the chapel-door, my spirit is filled with gratitude and praise.
But the door is closed.
And the only action that will open it is repentance.
Sin is no small matter; it is cosmic treason—it is overthrowing the rule of the One to whom I owe everything [3].
But what do I say? King David’s prayer of repentance (Psalm 51) gives me words:
Lord God, I feel dirty with self-centeredness and pride as I approach your presence. I ask you to wash me, cleanse me, and purge me. Blot out my iniquities, I pray.
I praise you for your mercy and steadfast love that prompt you to abound with forgiveness. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.” [4].
And the door swings open.
There my Heavenly Father sits in an ornate chair, befitting the Almighty King. He beckons me to join him and perch on his footstool [5].
“I’m so glad you’ve come . Just sit and rest awhile. Allow my calming presence to envelop you.” And his arm gently rests on my shoulders.
“Now, what brings you here today?” he asks, while leaning back comfortably in his chair.
“Feelings of frustration,” I blurt. “Circumstances are not unfolding as I expected.”
“I know Child. Remember, I am over all and through all and in all [6]—even in these circumstances. Refresh your spirit with such affirmations of trust as:
“I also feel overwhelmed, Lord. The to-do list is long and time is short.” I turn my body to face him more squarely. “Please help me prioritize and use my time wisely.”
“Of course!” he responds, with a pat on my back. “When you need wisdom, just ask. I am always ready to oblige” [7].
“Thank you, Father, for your reassurance to see me through [8]!
“And then, one more thing. I ask that you help me honor you in the tasks and encounters of this day.”
He smiles. “Now that is the kind of prayer I love to answer. Never forget that I am always with you; I am your reliable and perfect helper” [9].
I bask in his presence as God provides encouragement from his Word. The golden light that emanates from his presence, permeates my being [10].
I receive the inflowing of the Holy Spirit; he strengthens my will, thinking, and perceptions [11]. He grants me shalom—wholeness, contentment, and peace.
Now I’m ready to face the day, but very glad that anytime I can swoop up that staircase to my personal chapel and be ministered to by the Lord himself.
Praise God for his open invitation to come and his gracious benefits when we do!
[1] The Practice of the Presence of God, “Fourth Letter,” edited by Whitaker House, 1982.
[2] Beth Moore, A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place, 215.
[3] Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus, 108.
[4] Based on Psalm 51:1-3, 7, 9-10, and a devotional by Dane C. Ortlund, In the Lord I Take Refuge, 144.
[5] Psalm 99:5
[6] Ephesians 4:6
[7] Based on James 1:5 NLT
[8] Proverbs 3:5-6
[9] Psalm 118:7a
[10] 2 Corinthians 4:6
[11] Based on The Spiritual Life by Andrew Murray, Whitaker House, 1996, pp. 148, 155.
Image credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.flickr.com (Chris Smith); http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com.
Sign up below for the monthly newsletter, with additional features not included on the blog. And thank you in advance for becoming a subscriber!
Discover more from From the Inside Out
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
From the Inside Out 
Beautiful description, Nancy. I love envisioning the “temple” that I live in. Those private times with Jesus are precious.
https://seekingdivineperspective.com/2018/08/17/what-i-really-want/
Not to say the times of gathering with His people don’t matter. (I know your weren’t saying that, Nancy, but I know some who use the “private faith” idea as an excuse not to meet with others.) I love Sundays with my spiritual family – feeding my mind discussing God’s Word, filling my soul singing with hundreds of other voices who love Him, praying for my brothers and sisters, and bring prayed for. ❤️ There’s nothing like it. (Think how amazing heaven will be!)
Absolutely, Annie–worship with the family of God is another essential activity for feeding our spirits, for all the reasons you stated. I too am so thankful for the blessings of corporate worship, for a church family that actively participates. Indeed, heavenly worship is going to be euphoric in ways we cannot now imagine! (I remember you mentioning before that many in your congregation can add harmonies to the hymns and songs. How glorious that a whole congregation can sing like a choir!)
What a privilege, an honor, it is to know that the Lord has chosen my body to be His temple. Praise the Lord
Agreed, Brenda. Just that thought alone ought to have us running up the staircase to spend time with such a loving, gracious Lord!
Amen 🙏🏽
Once again, Nancy, your words have moved my heart and soul, and reminded me of God’s great and forever love for all His children. The thought came to me of the Father’s house having many mansions – could it be that we can envision that place in our souls before it is even realized? Oh, to go such a place and simply rest peacefully in His presence, knowing our Lord cares for us so deeply. Blessings, my friend!
I think that’s one of the reasons God gave us imagination, so we can “see” him, “hear” his voice, and “feel” his touch. Then we find our hearts responding more profoundly than if we only think about him in the abstract. Praise God this post ministered to you, Martha! That warms my heart.
Thanks for helping me visualize an encounter with God. I am so grateful we have 24/7 access to his love in “our own private chapel.”
Amen, Linda. I can’t imagine living without his support, encouragement, strength, guidance, and more!
What a beautiful post Nancy. Reading this warmed my heart. A personal chapel- a humbling reminder of what God has bestowed on us by His presence within us.
Thank you, Manu. Praise God you found beauty here. Indeed–it IS humbling to consider all he’s bestowed on us, as Beth Moore points out in that second quote. Our Father is over-the-top good to us!
Thank you for sharing the conversation you envisioned with the Lord. Your post is a happy reminder to bask in His presence and find peace, joy, and strength. May your passion for the Lord spread like wildfire (old fashioned for “go viral”). 🙂
Thank you, Nancy. Our Heavenly Father is so gracious, allowing us to come into his presence and ministering whatever we might need, like the peace, joy, and strength you mention. Why would someone say, “No thank you!”
I love the picture of Brother Lawrence washing the dishes. This was true worship to him, to clean the dishes and commune with God.
My chapel is outside, somewhere on God’s green earth. There are tall ponderosa pines and water there, with a view of the surrounding countryside. It is only God and me there. And this is enough.
Your personal chapel sounds delightful, David. Late spring through early fall (except for really hot and humid weather) I enjoy God’s living room also–out on our deck. There is something peaceful and soul-filling about spending time with Him outdoors!
As always,thank you for your thoughtful and thought-provoking posts. My day is best when I begin it with God in my quiet place!
Amen, Pam–couldn’t agree more. It’s my favorite time of day!
I love the image of my personal chapel where I meet with God. Repentance is the door. What a privilege to know God is such an intimate way, all because of His great love!
Indeed, Patty. It is a beautiful, incomprehensible privilege he’s given us!
The image of a spectacular personal chapel reminds me of one of the final scenes from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. Did you see the movie? In the search for the Holy Grail, Indy’s final test was to pick the chalice Jesus used at The Last Supper from among dozens of chalices; some with inlaid jewels others made of silver or gold. The correct choice was the most modest of all: a basic clay cup, speaking to Jesus’ humble ways. I found it remarkable that a Hollywood movie would convey one of the more important themes of the Bible!
I did see that movie, and you’re right. A clay cup seems more fitting for our Savior who made himself nothing and humbled himself to die on a cross for us (Philippians 2:6-8). It is remarkable that Hollywood writers would think of that!
Nancy,
Yeah, that is where it all flows from, time with the Lord. I pray the issues of life push us there. In Christ, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
You’re right, Gary. We often do draw especially close to God in times of trouble and he, in turn, draws especially close to us. It’s one of the blessings we can count on when the issues of life press in!
Incredible, meaningful imagery, Nancy. Thank you so much. May the Lord bless you with more ideas that bless others as this one blessed me.
Get Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef
Hello Diane! I’m so glad you found the imagery here to be meaningful and a blessing. Praise God the ideas keep coming, although some weeks I have to admit: I don’t feel as inspired as others!
🙏😎💝🎶
Get Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef
Great Brother Lawrence quote and wonderful reflection. I love the image of a personal chapel too. I leave this week for retreat and will take this with me !!
How wonderful–you WILL enjoy a real, personal chapel for a few days! May God bless you with glorious shalom, wisdom, and joy!
Wonderful and inspiring post!!! God is always there for us, and he hears our every prayer. I love your vision of the personal chapel…
Thank you, Linda. It IS amazing to think about: “the God of the universe is always there for us and hears our every prayer.” Right you are!
I especially loved this Nancy! It was like a gigantic hug from God! Thank you!❤️ What an incredible privilege it is to sit in His presence! ❤️
What a delight for ME to provide an opportunity for YOU to receive a hug from God, dear Lisa! Praise God for leading me to that Brother Lawrence quote and inspiring my imagination!
What a BLESSING to know that He is ”over all and through all and in all”! Thanks, Nancy, for bringing this to the forefront of my mind. It gives me much needed peace of mind. Beautiful edition of your blog. And thank you for your faithfulness in delivering it every week.
Thank YOU, Cheri, for your faithful reading and continual encouragement! In addition to that Ephesians 4:6 passage, I also love Romans 11:33-36–same idea but expanded upon. I find Paul’s affirmations about God to be settling and comforting when difficult circumstances arise.