A number of years ago I came across a book entitled Praying in Color by Sybil MacBeth. It caught my attention as I am always interested in reading books on prayer.
This book was different. It was not a “how-to” book on prayer on what to say and do during ones prayer time.
The idea behind Praying in Color is when you are burdened about someone or something to get out your markers or colored pencils and a clean sheet of paper and basically start doodling. You ever notice when you are praying how your mind tends to wander. Every new idea/thought/worry can pop into your mind and distract you. Having a marker or pencil in hand helps to keep you focused on your prayer time. Praying in color usually does not involve spoken words. It’s a time of quiet before God when words fail us. You pour out your heart on paper.
I encourage you to visit the Praying in Color Website and learn more about this prayer concept and see illustrations of others prayers. You do not have to be an artist to Pray in Color.
After the earthquake in Haiti, I had many concerns weighing on my heart that I wanted to pray for the people in Haiti and the relief workers going into Haiti. I finally decided to sit down and Pray in Color. As you can see I am no artist, but it helped to put my burdens down on paper and offer them as prayer to God.
I drew with colored pencils so it didn’t scan very well, but it gives you the idea of one of this prayer concept.
So check out the website to see more prayer samples and maybe pick up the book and start Drawing a New Path to God as Sybil MacBeth says.
P.S. This is also a great way to pray with your kids. She has a children’s edition of the book also.
23 comments:
That's a cool idea to help focus one's thoughts! Will tell the grands about this one too!
This is fantastic! My prayer life varies but there have been times when I've kept a packet of coloured pens in the bag which also contained my prayer journal. I used some of the principles of Mind Mapping for these prayers, and sometimes I also draw around my hand to write small prayers inside it - asking God to hold people in his hands. I will check out the website.
thanks for sharing... I will check it out
Interesting!!! I'll check this out.
Looks interesting...I'll have to check it out!
Joy, that is awesome! Thanks so much for sharing. I'm going there.
Ok, so I went over there, and came back to tell you that they should add your example to their site. I like the way more of your thoughts came out in words. It can go either way, and for some it would be better without, but yours is perfect for people whose minds race and need to get it out. To me it's like putting all your puzzle pieces out on the table so the Lord can guide you through the process of sorting them out and putting them together. LOVE it!
What a good idea! Might just get the children's book for a wee nephew.
I love this idea. Wish I had known about it when my children were little. I will try it out on me, because I'm the worst when it comes to a wandering mind.
How clever is that! Going to have to check that out.
Hugs,
Tara
Hi! I just discovered the Texas Blogging Gals network and signed up to be a part of it. I'm checking out the other members and hope to get to know you. I became a follower. You can come by and meet me at www.lonestarlifer.wordpress.com
Thanks!
What a great idea.
wow. i have never heard of anything like that before, Joy! :)
That's very very interesting to find out about! :)
I think prayer should always be colorful!!!!!!! :)
Thank you for your visit to Thoughts.
♥
C
Neat Joy... I will check out the website. We have about 8 inches of snow here now.... I love it---but I'm also ready for spring!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
I came across that site about a month ago and was going to write a post. I have been using my computer to make the doodles or create simple pictures. I sent the link to a friend on facebook and she got the book I hope to see it when I get home.
Headed over to check it out. Thanks for sharing such a great idea.
Joy I loved this post. So much so that it appears I forgot to comment. I have told my husband to read it because he is hosting a prayer retreat for the 70ish chaplains he supervises next weekend.
Anyway - I notice in the lower left you've got "Smith" - is that for my sponsor child? Thankyou thankyou thankyou so much for remembering him in your prayers. That someone in the USA can be praying for my Australian prayer wish for a child in Haiti - that is truly amazing. Thankyou so much dear friend.
That is really neat- thanks for sharing your heart with us.
Visiting from Texas Blogging Gals! Love your blog! Please visit me for a fun giveaway!
~Becca
what a great idea. I will have to go by and check it out.
That is such a wonderful idea! Won't it make a nice prayer journal in the end as you collect each one you do?
Hi Joy,
Sounds like an interesting concept. I can always use more color in my life. My kids say that I'm too black & white because i'm a YES Ma'ma - No Ma'ma type of mother. Sounds like I need to pray for spiritual creativity.
Yoli :)
Hi, I came across you through Texas Blogging Gals! What a great idea I off to check it out some more!
We often have our children draw, paint, doodle while they pray....especially the young ones who do not yet read/write. Their pictures are so profound and wonderful!
Post a Comment