zealot - A fanatical person who is unyielding in their spiritual or political pursuits.
Juliet went into the hills alone to seek God, even though her friends called her a crazy zealot. She later testified that speaking to God in the storm was a profoundly healing experience.
nook - Small area or space, like an alcove, that is conducive to meditating, reading, relaxing or quietly reflecting.

The alcove at the large window made a perfect nook, where Gemma could quietly take time away from the family, to read her book or write in her journal without interruption.