I think we're having a slight issue in terms here.

Rift - The place where the gods came into this new universe and is used for passage between their world, and this new universe.

Barrier - The energy between the god's personal worlds and the rest of the universe.

SO, with the rift I see an actual device, like a gate(Big round circular or arch shaped thing) hanging in space around the rift point keeping it stable.

And with the barrier thing you wanted it would yes, begin as the energy being created by the god making their own personal worlds and would become solidified later on to keep their creations from crossing into "Heaven" uninvited.