What does it mean to Hold Space?

What does it mean to hold space for God in a noisy world? This phrase comes from a practice rooted in both the contemplative Christian tradition and modern spiritual formation. It reflects the conviction that to truly be with God, we must first slow down, invite Him in by His Spirit and truth, and be present with Him.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the three core movements of holding space for yourself with God.

1. Slowing Down

Holding space begins by creating margin—emotionally, mentally, and physically. In a world driven by speed and distraction, the first act of worship is often a refusal to rush (Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬‬).

Slowing down is not just a spiritual idea—it’s biological. Before your brain can process deeply or enter states of emotional awareness, your body needs to shift out of stress mode. Practices like deep, intentional breathing help calm the autonomic nervous system, reducing fight-or-flight responses and increasing your capacity to receive.

As Bessel van der Kolk explains in The Body Keeps the Score, breath control is the only autonomic function we can consciously regulate. It acts like a doorway to slowing the body and mind so we can actually listen—both to ourselves and to God.

Slowing down might look like:

• A slow walk through nature
• Quiet painting or journaling
• Closing your eyes and taking a deep, slow breath

These aren’t just quiet moments—they are ways of saying, “Lord, here I am.”

2. The Word

The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It speaks to us both through study and through encounter.

When we Hold Space with Scripture, we’re not reading for information alone—we’re listening for God’s voice. As Eugene Peterson writes, Scripture is not only meant to be read but eaten, “assimilated into our soul, metabolized into our acts.” This is the essence of lectio divina—a sacred rhythm of reading, reflecting, and responding.

As you hold space with the Word:

• Read slowly until a word or phrase stands out
• Ask, why does this stand out to me?
• Reflect, where does this connect with my life right now?
• Pray, invite the Spirit to help you live out that word

This is how we let the Word dwell richly in us—not just in thought, but in formational presence.

3. Prayer

The end goal of holding space is not silence for its own sake—it’s communion with God.

Prayer in this context is not about saying the right words or following a formula. It’s about being present to what the Spirit is doing in you and around you.

Sometimes prayer is verbal. Sometimes it’s embodied—like kneeling, stretching your hands, or writing what you sense God saying. Sometimes it’s just breathing with awareness of God. Ruth Haley Barton calls this “coming home to yourself in God’s presence.”

In Hold Space, we don’t pray to get answers—we pray to become attuned. We lean in.

4. Remaining Present (Discernment Begins Here)

Holding space isn’t about getting something done—it’s about remaining present to God, even when it feels like nothing is happening.

In our culture of productivity, we’re tempted to treat even spiritual practices like tasks. But God often works beneath the surface—in silence, slowness, and surrender. When we stay with Him long enough to listen—without rushing—we learn to live from His voice, not just for it.

This act of lingering becomes a declaration of trust:

“I don’t need to fill this space—because You already do.”

In your Hold Space journey, this looks like:

• Staying with a bible passage that’s stirring something in you
• Remaining in a moment of prayer even after the words have run out
• Letting God set the pace—whether fast or slow

This isn’t passive waiting—it’s active attentiveness.

As we’ll explore in the Hold Space Retreat (coming soon) and weekly reflections, remaining present is how we begin to recognize the Spirit’s leading in real time. This becomes the bridge into discernment—the third movement of the Hold Space framework.

In Summary

Holding space is an act of love. It’s a response to the God who slows down for us—who speaks when we are still and fills our empty moments with His presence.

So take a breath. Set your phone down. Open your hands. And make space.

God is already here. And as we quiet the noise and open our hearts, we begin to hear more clearly—preparing us for discernment and deeper living.

This is where formation begins.