Written by Craig Robinson

Have you ever inhabited a space where God’s presence seemed tangible? Where the experience of God walking with humans in Eden felt possible again? Perhaps it was a grand space—a quiet forest, a mountain top, a cathedral? Perhaps it is an ordinary one—where your church body gathers, where you take the elements with your brothers and sisters, where God speaks to you each week as you habituate that space together for his glory? The Celtic tradition calls these “thin spaces”—spaces where the veil between heaven and earth almost seems transparent. In thin spaces prayer becomes our native language, worship becomes our ordinary posture, and love becomes our instinctive action all because of one reality: we are present to God’s presence. Thin spaces are gifts because in them we relearn that on our sojourn through life, Jesus is not just our goal; He is our companion. He is with us! Emmanuel.

But in a world of social distancing and virtual liturgies done at home, where is the thin space? When I look around our living room and see an explosion of toys or look at our table and see dishes, I don’t see a thin space. When I’m constantly distracted by technology with no one to hold me accountable or when all I see is work that should be done, I don’t see a thin space. These seem to be thick spaces. Thick spaces that have many obstacles preventing me from recognizing God’s presence. Thick spaces where the veil is opaque.

And in this cultural moment, the church asks us to worship at home, among the thick spaces...

The question that we must ask is this: can thick space become thin space? The answer must be a resounding “Amen!” If this task was impossible, the church would be foolish for choosing to disperse worship outside the “sanctuary.” It would be a sinister act to send her members to places where access to God’s presence was near impossible. But find rest friends! Thick spaces can become thin!

Ultimately, this is possible because God’s presence is not limited to space. Paul proclaims to us the “Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man” so we should seek God, knowing that he is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:24-27). Whether our perception of the veil is thick or thin, opaque or transparent, the reality is God’s presence is available, and we must seek it!

So how do we do this? Particularly, how do we do this in a season of digital home worship liturgies? How do we seek God’s presence in what feels like thick space so that it becomes thin? A few thoughts:

1. Create a visual reminder that God is present. The word the Old Testament uses for such a thing is altar. In Exodus 20 God tells His people that at altars where His name is remembered, He will come to them and bless them. What could this look like in your living room or on your table? How can you create a space of remembrance? At The Cairn we’ve equipped each household with communion elements and rocks so they can recreate the altar we worship around each week. We encourage our families to tend to its beauty so that, as they sit in its presence, they are reminded of the beautiful reality that God is with us.

2. As responsibly as possible, gather with others. Jesus promises in Matthew 18 where two or three gather in His name, He will be there among them. Likewise, Paul reminded the Corinthians that they (collectively) were God’s temple where the Spirit dwells. The gathered people of Jesus create a thin space! So during this season, make every effort to gather for liturgy with someone else. That may be your spouse, partner, roommate, or friend. Do it responsibly, but enjoy God’s presence together!

3. Make your space distraction-free. In Hebrews 12 the author commends us to lay aside things that disrupt our ability to face and run toward Jesus. This is good counsel when it comes to worshipping in our homes. Put away your phone, your work stuff, your to-do list. Don’t attempt to multitask just because you can. Declutter your space and slow your body so that your mind and heart may be renewed while you tune in to worship.

4. Lastly, interact with the digital liturgies. When God’s people confronted thin spaces, from the burning bush to Jesus himself, they responded! This is going to feel weird for a time, but overcome the weirdness by leaning in—sing loudly, recite the prayers, respond to the sermon, serve the bread and the cup. God is there; respond to him!

Every space holds the possibility of thinness. Even in a time where our presence as a family is disembodied, God wants to meet with us. He wants to continue to form us into His image. Jesus is still our goal on this journey, and Jesus is still our companion.

So, may your home be a space where you welcome the presence of the living God! May He dwell richly with you and all who gather under your roof. May your home be a harbour of refuge from which you will journey forth to love your neighbour. May it be a garden of nourishment in which the roots of your love for God grow deep. May the veil between heaven and earth in your space grow ever thin! Amen.