The Human Heart is Attracted to Beauty: Your Guide to a Catholic Prayer Space

The human heart is attracted to beauty.

In Catholic thought, especially from the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas, we find the idea of transcendentals. This is the idea that everything that exists bears some mark of its Creator. The transcendentals- like truth, beauty, and goodness- draw our hearts and minds to God even in simple spaces or ordinary moments.

Truth and Goodness are what makes something beautiful, and, in turn, true beauty leads to goodness and truth.

This is why so many great cathedrals are crafted with such breathtaking beauty. True beauty moves us toward an encounter with God- because our minds can’t fully grasp its wonder. It leads us to think of higher things.

In my own life, I’ve tried to take advantage of this concept in times where it’s difficult to pray.

Can’t focus? Light a candle.

Have no motivation? Make your spot for prayer somewhere where you want to spend time.

Don’t make time for prayer? Create a place of beauty somewhere where you absolutely can’t miss it.

Even if you can’t go and pray at a Cathedral every single day, you can still create beautiful spaces that draw your heart to Heaven.

Here's what I'd reccommend:

First, find a spot for your prayer space.

• A bookshelf.

• A nightstand.

• The top of a dresser or chest.

• The corner of a desk.

• A picture on the wall.

• An end table near a chair.

• The top of a cabinet.

• A windowsill.

Then, add beautiful images and things that draw your heart to God.

• Cloth that is the color for the liturgical season.

• Flowers or dried flower petals.

• Your Bible, journal, and spiritual reading.

• Rosaries or chaplets

• Fairy lights or lamps.

• Holy water or oil

• Pictures of people you want to pray for.

• A speaker or earbuds for listening to worship music or meditations

• Holy cards

• Pictures of Jesus, Mary, and the Saints

• Catholic artwork

• Crosses or Crucifixes

• Candles

• Small statues

• A candle/room spray/essential oil diffuser (This one is my absolute favorite!)

• Prayer intentions list

• Bulletin board filled with quotes of artwork

• White or chalkboard (for writing prayer intentions, quotes, etc.)

Want to share your beautiful Catholic prayer space with The Little Apologist community?

Send us your photos to give others some inspiration to create their own spaces for prayer!

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