How To Enter The Secret Place Of God
For centuries, mankind has pondered the existance of a secret, sacred place where God resides and can be found. This mystical location is refered to in religious texts and spiritual writings from multiple faiths and cultures across the world.
If you seek to find and enter this divine inner sanctum, read on.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Through prayer, meditation, spiritual study, and living a virtuous life, one can cultivate a close relationship with God and enter into His presence, even if not a physical place.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the concept of the ‘secret place of God’ from religious and spiritual perspectives. We’ll examine biblical references, review spiritual practices and virtues that allow closeness with the Divine, and provide tips for creating your own ‘secret space’ to encounter God.
Understanding the ‘Secret Place’ Through Scripture
References in Psalms and Other Old Testament Books
The concept of the “secret place” where one can encounter God appears throughout the Psalms. For example, Psalm 27 refers to longing to “dwell in the house of the Lord” and to “behold the beauty of the Lord.”
Psalm 91 speaks profoundly of “dwelling in the shelter of the Most High” and “abiding in the shadow of the Almighty.” In the Old Testament books, there are stories of prophets and kings seeking solitude in caves or remote wilderness areas to hear from God.
The Life of Jesus as a Model
In his earthly life, Jesus himself would frequently withdraw to desolate places to pray – mountains, wilderness areas, and gardens. Clearly, Christ valued solitary time with the Father, away from the busy demands of ministry.
His famous instruction on prayer in Matthew 6 points to the importance of a “secret place” – “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”
Imagery in Revelation and Apocryphal Texts
The book of Revelation has vivid imagery of God’s throne, with angels gathered around singing praises. While much is shrouded in mystery, it alludes to a transcendent sacred place where worship is taking place in God’s immediate presence.
Some apocryphal books such as Enoch speak of ascents into heavenly realms. While not regarded as inspired Scripture, they do show the persisting intuition across traditions of a dimension where God may be encountered directly.
Cultivating Closeness Through Spiritual Practices
Prayer and Meditation
Prayer and meditation are time-honored practices for drawing nearer to God. Through prayer, we communicate intimately with our Creator, bringing our deepest hopes, fears, and petitions. Meditation involves quieting the mind and focusing on God’s presence and truths.
Both practices deepen our connection with the divine.
Authoritative sources like the Bible and Christian mystics emphasize developing a regular prayer life and times of inner stillness. Setting aside at least 10-15 minutes daily for devotional prayer and Scripture reading is widely recommended.
Things like centering prayer, contemplative prayer, lectio divina, and reciting the Jesus Prayer or Psalms can help calm the mind and open us to hear from God.
In a 2021 survey by Lifeway Research, 72% of Protestant churchgoers said they spend time in personal prayer every day or several times a week. For many believers, consistent prayer and meditation is indispensable for nurturing intimacy with God over a lifetime.
Study of Scripture and Sacred Texts
Immersing ourselves in the sacred writings of our faith is a pillar of spiritual growth. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Studying holy texts illuminates God’s truth and equips us for the journey.
For Christians, daily Bible reading provides revelation of God’s character and guidance for righteous living. Using resources like study Bibles, commentaries, and highlighters to dig deeper into the meaning can unlock treasured insights. Memorizing key verses helps Scripture take root in our hearts.
Listening to audio Bibles also aids meditation on God’s Word.
Beyond the Bible, writings like Augustine’s Confessions, Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation, and Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the Presence of God have shepherded many into a richer experience of God’s presence.
Exposing ourselves regularly to these spiritual works keeps our focus on what matters most.
Solitude, Silence, and Contemplation
In our noisy, hurried world, cultivating solitude, silence and contemplation provides space to hear God’s gentle voice. Jesus Himself frequently withdrew to desolate places to pray alone and reconnect with the Father.
Finding solitary retreats in nature, monasteries, or even our bedroom allows us to mute life’s distractions. Turning off technology and sitting quietly before God calms the clamoring ego. Prayers of centering like the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”)
invite peaceful focus on Christ’s presence.
In the stillness, we wait, listen, observe our thoughts, and open our heart to God. Such contemplative resting in His presence dissolves loneliness and deepens divine intimacy. Daily silent contemplation, even for 10-15 minutes, nourishes the soul.
Pilgrimage and Visiting Holy Sites
Journeying to holy places associated with God’s work on earth provides another avenue for spiritual renewal. Sites like the Holy Land, Rome, Assisi, Iona, and Santiago de Compostela draw millions of pilgrims annually to walk in the footsteps of saints, reflect on Scripture, and reconnect with God.
Beyond religious tourism, prayerfully visiting places of spiritual significance with an open heart can profoundly impact faith. It may involve making a trek to spots like the Sinai desert, Hagia Sophia, Bodh Gaya, or a local retreat center.
Connecting with God’s work in meaningful locations awakens fresh devotion.
Pilgrimage also represents our lifelong walk with God, who is constantly inviting us deeper. Though an inward journey, visiting physical places that embody His truth and presence helps enliven and direct us.
Living Virtuously to Become Closer to God
Practicing Unconditional Love
To grow closer to God, we must nurture unconditional love in our hearts for all people. This means embracing compassion and forgiveness even for those who have wronged us. As the Bible teaches, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
When we can love without condition, we reflect the boundless love of God.
Serving Others with Compassion
Another way to draw nearer to God is by serving others with sincere compassion. As Jesus demonstrated through His ministry, we must care for the poor, the marginalized, and the brokenhearted. We can volunteer at soup kitchens, donate to charities, or simply be a listening ear for someone going through a tough time.
By alleviating the suffering of others, we emulate the merciful heart of our Creator.
Walking in Truth, Integrity, and Wisdom
To align our spirits with God, we must also walk in truth, integrity, and wisdom. This means living honestly, making ethical choices, and seeking righteous counsel. As Proverbs says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (10:9).
When we stay true to our values and cultivate discernment, we grow in spiritual maturity and honor the upright nature of God.
Embracing Sacrifice and Self-Discipline
Drawing close to the divine also requires sacrifice and self-discipline. We must put selfish desires aside and strive for spiritual goals. This could mean giving up pleasures that distract us, fasting occasionally, or carving out time for prayer and meditation.
As we temper earthly appetites and surrender our wills to God, we clear space for His presence to fill us. Our spirits then unite more fully with the Holy Spirit.
Creating a Personal Sacred Space
Setting up a personal sacred space in your home can help you connect more deeply with the divine. This quiet, peaceful area devoted to prayer, contemplation, and spiritual growth allows you to retreat from the busyness of everyday life. Follow these tips for designing your own sacred space.
Choosing the Right Location
When selecting a spot for your sacred space, opt for a quiet, private area if possible. This may be a corner of your bedroom, a spot in the basement or attic, or even an outdoor location like a secluded corner of the yard. Consider an area with a window to let in natural light.
If space is limited, a nightstand or dresser top can work too. The most important factor is that the area feels peaceful and removed from any distractions or interruptions.
Adding Religious Symbols and Items
Personalize your sacred space with objects that hold spiritual meaning for you. Some ideas include:
- Religious images like crosses, Buddhas, or Hindu murtis
- Prayer books or spiritual texts
- Rosaries, mala beads, or other prayer beads
- Candles and incense
- Relics, stones, shells, or other natural items that inspire you
Group these objects together attractively to create an altar or focal point. The goal is to curate a collection of items that facilitates prayer and contemplation. Allow your sacred space to evolve over time as your spirituality grows.
Establishing a Routine
To fully benefit from your sacred space, spend regular time there. Set a routine that determines when and how long you will visit each day. Rituals and consistency help strengthen the spiritual connection you experience there.
For example, you may decide to spend your first hour awake there each morning, logging 20 minutes of meditation, prayer, and journaling. Or you could do spiritual reading and chanting there for 30 minutes before bed each evening.
Find a routine that fits your current lifestyle while still challenging you to regularly retreat and unplug.
Journaling and Recording Spiritual Insights
Keep a notebook or journal in your sacred space to write down prayers, reflections, dreams, goals, insights, and anything else meaningful. The act of writing helps clarify thoughts and crystallize intentions. Reviewing your journal over time provides perspective on your spiritual journey.
You can also record meaningful scriptures, quotes, or poems here.
According to a 2022 study, adults who journaled about spiritual matters for just 5 minutes daily reported increased life satisfaction and positivity (source). So don’t underestimate the power of regular, short journaling sessions from your personal sacred space!
Conclusion
While the exact nature and location of God’s secret place may remain a mystery, anyone can cultivate a close relationship with the Divine through spiritual practice. By praying, meditating, studying sacred wisdom, living virtuously, and creating a personal sacred space, you open yourself to encounter the presence of God and enter into the peace of His inner sanctum.
Maintain these practices and continue seeking, and the hidden door to the secret place will open.
The journey to find and enter the secret place of God is a lifelong process of spiritual growth and discovery. With persistence and dedication to living a God-centered life, you will be led step-by-step on the path that winds its way to the sacred throne of the Most High.
Your reward will be a profound connection with your Creator that transcends physical bounds and transforms your very being. Begin today.
