Association of Professional Chaplains Healing Through Spiritual Care

How to Prepare an Interfaith Meditation/Prayer Space

By Swami Sarvaananda PhD BCC

As chaplains, we are occasionally asked to provide reflective spaces within our institution or at some community event. Interfaith spaces can be reflective of diversity yet need not be a “watering down” of specific faith belief systems. We were able to provide such an Interfaith Meditation/Prayer Space at the 2008 APC Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. The following is how the Spiritual Needs Committee developed the space:

The theme was “The Truth is One, the Paths are Many.” Many faiths honor the light within or use light as a positive symbol within their rituals. As we wished to show the “unity in diversity,” a central altar focused on the light. Symbols of many religions encircled the table, and a circular fountain added the sound of gently flowing water.

Specific faith altars were set in a circle around the central altar, each holding a candle to continue the theme. Altars were arranged in the order of known age: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Muslim, Christianity, Native American and All Other Faiths. Symbolic items reflective of each faith were arranged on the altar cloths. Between the altars were chairs and pillows for meditation or prayer. All the tables were round and the same size.

In preparing the altars, persons from each specific faith were consulted. For example, the Muslim altar was set facing east, with a small compass provided for reference. Other concerns regarding items or placement were discussed with members of the respective faith.

In other parts of the room, we provided focus areas for writing prayers, reading and contemplating, watching an interfaith video, or just sitting. Lighting was varied, fountains with water were placed in each space, music was available with headsets, and a variety of seating available. Reading items from interfaith sources and from specific faith traditions were provided.

Two interfaith videos were available, the two-minute video that was used in the Sunday Interfaith Service and a nine-minute version that expanded the theme. When these were played on the laptop, a person was discretely nearby to be of assistance.

In summary, chaplains can be leaders in demonstrating “unity in diversity” through the establishment of interfaith meditation/prayer spaces. Interfaith spaces work when a common theme is used and when each faith has its own individuality expressed, as well.

Consulting those that practice the faith in designing what represents their belief system is essential. And, as always, using a team approach is very effective. (TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves Miracles)

If anyone has specific questions, you may reach me through the APC membership directory.

Swami Sarvaananda PhD BCC is the chaplain supervisor at Hospice of the Piedmont, Charlottesville, VA. She coordinated the Spiritual Needs Committee for the APC 2008 Annual Conference. She resides at Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville in Buckingham VA. Her spiritual teacher, Swami Satchidananda (1914-2002) instructed all his students on how to develop inclusive ecumenical services. Each year these students facilitate a number of such services around the world.