Using a Prayer Mat

A prayer mat is just a tool that could possibly help a person in their prayer journey.

I sometimes use objects to support me in my regular prayer habit. One of these objects is a prayer mat that I've had for many years. Although it's not a common practice for Christians to use prayer mats, it's not entirely unheard of either. Christians have been known to use objects such as pillows or pew kneelers to aid them in prayer. Jewish people have traditionally used prayer mats when they pray. And of course, other religions may have something similar. I use a prayer mat for practical reasons. I've personally found it to be helpful for my own prayer journey. Here's why:

First, a prayer mat helps me define and designate a special space for prayer. I often pray in one of the rooms in my house. This room is used for multiple purposes such as work, online meetings, reading, and entertainment. Using a prayer mat helps me transform the space into a place of prayer and worship. It triggers a subtle shift in my mind that helps me come into a posture of prayer since the space has now been transformed for that purpose. Of course, you don't need a prayer mat to help transform a space for prayer. But it's something that has helped me personally make that shift in my mind.

Second, a prayer mat provides me with a clean place to sit and kneel. I've personally noticed a difference between praying while sitting in a comfortable chair versus sitting down on the floor or kneeling. I've sensed that I'm a little more reverent to God when I'm on the floor praying. Of course, one can be incredibly reverent to God while seated. But personally, sitting on the floor or kneeling has helped me become more respectful to God. A prayer mat gives me a clean space to do this since the floor may not be in the cleanest condition at times. I won't be able to use a dirty floor as an excuse to not sit or kneel on the floor.

Third, a prayer mat gives me a visual reminder to pray every day. When I'm not using my prayer mat, I roll it up and lean it against a corner of the room. Every time I see it, it's a visual reminder for me to pray to the living God.

There's nothing really special about using a prayer mat. I'm not holier or more spiritual because I use one. And there's nothing magical about the prayer mat itself. In fact, my prayer mat is technically a well-designed bath towel. A prayer mat is just a tool that could possibly help a person in their prayer journey. If it helps you, use it. If it doesn't, then discard it. For me, praying to God on a regular basis and for ample amounts of time is such a challenging endeavor. Anything I can do to make things a little bit easier (such as using a prayer mat) is welcomed.

Barnabas the Monastic

Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.