Creating a Quiet Prayer & Reflection Corner

Creating a quiet prayer cart for Bible journaling and reflection is a wonderful way to bring calm and intention into your home. Whether you’re looking to organize your spiritual books, journals, and prayer essentials or simply carve out a peaceful corner for your daily quiet time, a rolling cart can be a versatile and beautiful solution. In this post, I’ll share how I transformed an empty rolling cart into my own cozy prayer and reflection corner — a space that invites stillness, focus, and meaningful moments throughout the day.

A couple of weeks ago, I relocated all my teenage boy’s electronic devices, video game accessories, paintball equipment, and tactical gear. It was all piled up inside a rolling cart sitting in a corner of the guest room. I was determined to get it out of the guest room and find a better place to store everything.

Turns out, my latest decluttering spree paid off—because I emptied out our very small linen closet in the hallway. Small, yes, but just big enough to hold all of my son’s gear.

With that sorted, I was left with the empty rolling cart. And even though I’ve been genuinely trying to remove extra things from my house, the cart always comes in handy. I rolled it into my office, where it sat empty. I even considered giving it away. And then—this idea dawned on me.

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Why I Created a Quiet Prayer Cart

In the past couple of years, I’ve accumulated quite a few spiritual books: two new Bibles, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the workbooks that go with the Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year podcasts. After a sudden and heartbreaking loss in our family in 2023, I also found comfort in prayer books, daily devotionals, and spiritual journals. But because they were scattered between a bookcase by the fireplace and a shelf in my closet, it was a nuisance to go find what I needed.

So I thought—what if I consolidated all of them in that cart and made it my quiet corner?

I could roll the cart out of my closet and bring it to my reading nook anytime I wanted to take notes from a podcast, read the Bible, or simply pray the Rosary. I had purchased the flat top accessory for the Hudson Cart last year, and I remember it was tucked away because it did not serve a purpose at the time. When I remember I had it, and realized it could serve as a tabletop surface my eyes lit up! The top would be perfect to make it look as a little table, and great for journaling, reading, or even designing new art for my Catholic shop.

Bringing the Cart to Life: Tier by Tier

This project was born in 15 minutes and completed in 30—because I already had everything on hand. I didn’t need to buy a single thing, and I’m so glad I didn’t give the cart away. Here’s how I organized it.

Top Tier

I added the flat surface to the top tier to create a tabletop. Tucked underneath are a few essentials: my main journal, my Neat To-Do List Notepad (for jotting down tasks or ideas that pop into my mind during this time), and small devotionals I like to reference.

On top of the surface, I placed a small candle warmer that I recently purchased for my reading nook. I hadn’t used it much because it doesn’t have a timer, and I didn’t want to risk forgetting it. But now that the cart rolls out to the reading nook, for specific quiet moments, I feel confident using it intentionally, and turning it off when I’m done.

Next to the candle warmer is a small glass box where I keep rosaries and prayer cards. I also added my Jesus Calling perpetual tabletop calendar and my Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal. I bring this journal with me to Mass each week, and sometimes I like to revisit notes from past homilies to find joy, hope, or encouragement.

Second Tier

This tier holds my Bibles: The Great Adventure Bible (RSVCE) and the Holy Bible (NRSV with C.S. Lewis reflections), the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and a couple of other go-to books. I used a simple book separator stand to keep them upright and tidy.

In this tier, I also placed a few meaningful touches. I brought in a Rae Dunn mug that reads In Christ Alone and used it as a small vase for faux white roses. I originally thought about framing a 4×6 inspirational quote—but the mug’s words are already perfect. They’re a nod to Stuart Townend’s song, In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found), and every time I read them, I find myself humming the beautiful hymn. Very fitting for a praying cart and nook.

Next to the mug sits a cross I made from a blessed palm from this past Palm Sunday. I had pressed it between two books and forgotten about it. Bringing it out felt deeply right, something blessed by a priest deserves reverence. It’s holy, it’s set apart, and now it sits where it belongs.

Lastly, I repurposed an unused makeup brush holder (similar) from my bathroom cabinet. It now holds my favorite felt tip pens, Bible highlighters, essential oil roll-ons, and bookmark clips.

On the side of the book separators, I hung an Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) relic, a blessed wax seal encased in red fabric that my great-great aunt, who was a nun, made at the convent in Italy. An old, beautiful tradition meant to inspire prayer and remind me of our faith’s deep heritage.

The Bottom Tier

This tier holds the bulkier items: my Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year podcast workbooks, notebooks, and additional reading materials. I used a second book separator to keep things upright and organized.

I also added my C.S. Lewis classics collection here. Instead of placing them all vertically, I stacked them flat to create visual interest and make the cart look more curated than crowded. I am looking forward to quiet nights so I can start diving into those classics!

On the side of the cart, I placed a magnet of the St. Benedict Medal.

Looking Ahead: Bible Journaling

Next year, I plan to start Bible journaling—something I’ve always wanted to do but never made time for. I recently purchased the Great Adventure Bible Notetaking Edition, and I’m hoping to re-start the Bible in a Year podcast. Instead of listening during my commute like I used to, I’d love to sit down in my quiet corner each evening and listen to the podcast commentary with intention. This way, I can take notes on the actual Bible, not only mental notes!

This rolling cart has turned into something far more special than I expected. It’s practical, beautiful, and filled with purpose. Which is exactly the mindset I am pursuing lately. It reminds me that creating a calm, prayerful space doesn’t require an extra room, a full library, or new furniture. Sometimes, all it takes is a little rolling cart and a little quiet time.

How to Create Your Own Prayer Cart

If you want to make your own rolling prayer cart or Bible study cart, here are a few tips to get started:

• Start with what you already have. A shelf, a caddy or tray you can carry will do, or make it mobile: that’s the joy of the cart, it can follow you to your nook, your desk, or your bedside. Starting out with an organization caddy is a good exercise; if you feel the need to “expand” invest in the rolling cart.
• Gather your spiritual essentials. Think Bibles, prayer books, journals, devotionals, Rosary, prayer cards, highlighters, and pens.
• Include comforting items. Candles, essential oil diffusers, flowers, or something visually calming can make a big difference.
• Tuck in the personal touches. A meaningful cross, a favorite mug, or a quote from a song lyric can speak louder than anything store-bought.

Above all, don’t aim for perfection. Aim for peace and calm. Let me know if you create your own prayer cart, I’d love to see it!

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