Resolution: Try a Spiritual Discipline ~ Draw or Paint a Prayer
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 1
At the end of the day, there are times when I need to rest and focus on talking to God in prayer and sitting in silence doesn’t seem to be enough. In those moments I grab one of my adult coloring books and colored pencils. Then slowly go through my version of praying in color. It goes a little like this:
After selecting a page to color, I designate each color particular prayers I would like to offer up at the time. Each color stands for an area or type of prayer that as I am coloring, I am praying. These prayers can be as general or as specific as I need to be for that day or week. I can start anywhere and with any color. Examples of what the colors can mean are below:
Green- creation, our natural world; concerns for those affected by natural disasters; are we needing rain or relief from cold winds, is there particular parts of the world where nature needs God’s caring hand?
Blue – water and life; thanks – are there particular people or circumstances I would like to offer God thanks for; who are they, why and what other parts of life am I thankful for? What thanks do I need to say?
Orange- wow and wonder – what has made me happy this week? What’s made me stop and want to shout ‘wow’ at the wonder and love of God? Where have I experienced something or someone that brought a smile to my face?
Red – I am sorry; asking of forgiveness; when have I hurt or wronged another or God, what disappointments, pain, and sin do I need to ask God’s forgiveness of, what brokenness do I need to offer to the Holy Spirit for mending?
Yellow – me – what’s going on? What emotions are overwhelming or just there, what’s going on I need to be honest about God about? What may God be asking of me in this particular time?
As we enter this new year and be mindful of ways we are living our lives as disciples, taking the time to truly be in relationship with God through prayer may be more meaningful if we add color? What colors am I missing, how else may coloring focus your prayers?
Happy New Year.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, may we be joyful in hope and faithful in prayer as the kaleidoscope of Your colorful creation inspires us now and always. Amen.