Distracted, rushed, or disconnected in prayer? Discover how the Tabernacle in Exodus holds a timeless secret to transforming your time with God — and four simple steps to make it happen.
How to Reclaim the Sacred Power of Your Prayer Time
Welcome to the throne room, my friend.
It is in this place — the secret place — where we spend time with God. There are no crowds, no ceremonial rituals that need to be performed, no pomp and circumstance, just quiet and direct conversation with the One who created us.
Yet so often we take these quiet meetings for granted. We rush through our prayer time to get on with our day. We begin to pray only to have our minds filled with the worries and anxieties of that day, or we spend time rehashing situations that keep us from being fully present with the Lord.
And I get it. I have done all of these things. Our plates are full, and our minds are simply trying to keep up with the comings and goings of each new day. So, how do we get back our focus? After all, we know the importance of intimate fellowship, yet somehow in the rush of life, we find ourselves strangers to the very presence we were created to enjoy.
My friend, I have recently been studying through the book of Exodus, and I find it remarkable that every time I read through a book of the Bible, it becomes my favorite. I am not kidding when I tell you that reading it again has brought both light and conviction to my own heart.
What the Tabernacle Teaches Us
In Exodus, the initial meeting place of God was a dwelling in a tent that remained mobile. If you have ever been part of a mobile church, you know the work involved — from the setting up to the tearing down.
But what remains of utmost importance is the construction and set-up of this tent. Everything that was required and needed for God to dwell in this tent. We know He is mighty, but we also know that He is intentional — and nothing about His dwelling place was left to chance. Every detail, every measurement, every material was given by God Himself, because where He chooses to meet us matters deeply to Him.
“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.” — Exodus 25:8-9
God Has Always Been Making a Way
Why does this tent matter — and what does it have to do with our prayer time?
God wants a relationship with His children. He changed the way accessibility looks. Before the Tent of Meeting, God had only spoken to select individuals in select moments. I am sure you can rattle off a few of those moments – a burning bush, a mountaintop, a dream.
This tent provided a permanent, yet mobile, place where His people could find Him. A bridge between heaven and earth. Now, after Jesus paid it all for us at the cross, we have the advocate, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us -not in a tent, not a tabernacle, but in our hearts.
Can you say, WOW!!
What is more revealing to me is that God has never stopped making a way to be near His children. And every time, He has made accessibility easier.
Reading through Exodus, there were many rituals, specific times, and specific people who could enter into His presence — and even then, only so far. But with every step of redemptive history, God has been tearing down the barriers, widening the door, until finally at the cross, the veil was torn completely in two and the way into His presence was opened to every single one of us, forever.
Making Your Prayer Time Sacred
Prayer time is sacred time. It is Holy and pleasing to the Lord.
Time spent with God should not be filled with our distractions (and we have many) or wandering thoughts. It should be filled with Him. And if you are anything like me, you need actionable steps to help better your prayer time.
Here is what I have been doing recently, and the four ways you can show up for God.
Create a space. Find a chair, a spot on the couch, or somewhere you feel comfortable. This place should be quiet and free from distractions. Name your meeting space with God. Deem it as Holy. Just as the Israelites knew in and around the tent was Holy Land and treated it as such.
Come prepared. Leave your phone on the charger, step away from what could be a busy day, grab a cup of coffee, and your Bible. Just as every detail of the tent was set in order before God’s presence filled it, take a moment before you pray to quiet your heart and mind.
Be honest. God is not impressed by polished prayers. Moses argued with God, questioned God, and poured out his frustrations before Lord — and God called him a friend. Bring your real self into that space, not the version of you that has it all together. And remember, you don’t need to recite special prayers – just talk opening.
Come expectantly. The Israelites knew that when the cloud descended on that tent, God had shown up. Come to your prayer time believing that He is already there, already listening, and already moving on your behalf before you say your first word. He knows your heart, your desires, and He has a plan for you.
The God who lives inside of you dwells in a sacred and Holy place. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
There is something deeply sacred and humbling about that truth: the God of all creation lives within you, making you Holy. We are His temples, and sanctified. In other words, we are set apart and made Holy.
Friend, don’t rush past God to get ahead of your day, because in reality, when you do, you are already behind. When you make room for the Holy Spirit, He will bless this time together. Prioritizing God will shift your perspectives about your daily life and the way you approach each day.
Let’s Pray Together
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for never stopping Your pursuit of us. Thank you for always making a way. We can read it in your word from a burning bush, to a tent in the wilderness, to the cross, just to be near Your children. That truth alone humbles us. Lord, forgive us for the mornings we rushed past You to get ahead of our day. Teach us to create space for You. Quiet our hearts before we speak. Remind us, on the hard days, that You are already there. Stir a hunger in us that only time with You can satisfy.
In this, we ask in your precious name, Jesus. Amen!
Leave a Reply