I grew up in a home where, if friends came over, the first compliment they’d give was, “Your home is so peaceful.” That didn’t happen by chance. My mom was intentional in creating an atmosphere of peace and comfort. She would blast Christian music on Saturdays (which also meant it was time to clean!), and she prayed over our home faithfully. She always seemed to know if something was “off,” and she’d address it quickly through prayer and care.
Now that I have my own family, I find myself carrying on that same practice. I regularly pray over my home, anoint it with oil, and ask God to fill it with His love, comfort, and peace. I’ve seen the fruits of those prayers—not just for my family but also for visitors. Some of the most closed-off people have opened up deeply while sitting in our living room. That’s not by accident. It’s what I’ve prayed for—a space where anyone who enters can encounter the peace of God.
Below are five ways I’ve learned to make my home a sanctuary for my family and anyone who visits us.
1. Start with Prayer and Intention
When we first purchased our home, one of the first things I did was grab some olive oil, anoint the doorposts, and pray over each room. I prayed that every space in our home would be a place where Jesus reigns. You don’t have to anoint your home with oil—simply walk through each room and pray over it.
Daily prayer, worship, and time in the Word are also vital. Pick a consistent time to be still with God. For me, this happens either early in the morning before my daughter wakes or during her afternoon nap. I’ve seen other moms carve out time during lunch breaks or late at night when the house is quiet. It’s not about convenience—it’s about devotion.
Quick Tip: Write out a short prayer and tape it to your bathroom mirror or fridge as a reminder to invite God into your day and your home.
2. Simplify and Declutter
Clutter contributes to chaos, distraction, and even anxiety. Simplifying your space can create a sense of calm and make it easier for everyone to focus and relax. Studies have shown that clutter raises cortisol levels, which can lead to irritability, anxiety, and poor sleep.
If you’re not sure where to start, begin small. Tackle one drawer, shelf, or cabinet at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself. By taking it step by step, you’ll begin to feel lighter and more at peace in your home.
Quick Tip: Make it a family project! Turn on some music and challenge your kids to declutter their toy bins or desks. Offer small rewards to make it fun.
3. Create Meaningful Family Rituals
This year, I’m striving to be more intentional about making memories with my family. Once a month, we plan a special activity—sometimes it’s free, like a nature walk, and other times it’s a paid event.
At home, we’ve started minimizing TV time to make our Family Movie Nights more meaningful. We’re also starting weekly board game nights, now that our daughter is old enough to understand simple games. These moments don’t just strengthen our bond; they also create memories my child will carry into adulthood.
Quick Tip: Start small with a weekly “Gratitude Dinner.” Each family member shares one thing they’re thankful for before eating.
4. Add Comfort Through Small Touches
I used to aim for a trendy, minimalist aesthetic, but I’ve realized that my home is most comforting when it reflects who I am. For me, that means colorful flowers, warm and inviting spaces, and teapots and teacups on display. My bookshelves double as conversation starters for guests who may not know what to say but recognize a familiar title.
If you’re not sure how to make your home feel more inviting, consider looking into hygge (pronounced “hyoo-guh”). It’s a Danish lifestyle concept centered on creating cozy, comforting spaces, and it’s a great place to start.
Quick Tip: Add small touches like soft throw blankets, a warm-scented candle, or fresh flowers to make your home feel inviting.
5. Center Your Home Around Faith and Love
The most important element of a peaceful home is making Jesus the center. When faith and love are the foundation, your home becomes a place of rest for everyone who enters.
That doesn’t mean you’ll always get it right—I’ve had plenty of moments where I’ve fallen short. But God’s grace fills the gaps when we strive to put Him first. Keep pushing forward, even when it’s hard.
Quick Tip: Display a favorite Bible verse in a visible spot, like your kitchen or entryway, to remind your family and visitors of God’s love and peace.
At the end of the day, making your home a sanctuary isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about creating an atmosphere of peace, love, and intention. Whether it’s through prayer, decluttering, or simply adding a cozy touch, these small steps can make a big impact on your family and anyone who visits.
I’d love to know—what do you do to make your home a place of rest and comfort? Share your thoughts or tips in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another in creating homes filled with God’s love and peace!
Ready to Create a Cozy and Peaceful Home?
Discover the art of hygge with my free Hygge Starter Guide! This quick, practical guide will help you transform your home into a warm, inviting sanctuary for your family. From cozy décor ideas to simple ways to create meaningful moments, this guide is perfect for any season.