More on Prayer

I've heard people say that prayer is difficult, and certainly, it is...if you think you have to kneel and stay confined in a quiet room for hours on end.

That's one way to do it, but I can't do that. Though sometimes I wish that I could be more introverted and enjoy time to myself in silence, it's not really possible in this season of life with two children under three. And, to be honest, if I were to have the rare occassion to have a quiet, uninterrupted space for an unlimited amount of time, I would definitely not sit still for more than ten minutes maximum...at least, not without reaching for my phone, or a book, or a journal.

It wasn't until recently, when someone asked me what prayer and conversation with God looks like in my life that I realized what has been going on for years.

I don't pray with words.

I pray with feelings.

I pray with color.

The best way that I think I can describe it is this: I have a feeling. It has a color. When I am in a particularly foul place spiritually, it is a murky color. Aware of the murkiness in my soul and heart, I ask God to speak and bring His feelings and colors. Often, His are bright, beautiful, wonderful colors. And then my color changes to something less murky. And He responds with another color. Before I know it, in moments, we've had a conversation consisting entirely of color and and feelings.

Conventional? No. Strange? Maybe. Personal? Incredibly.

I think that's exactly why He has been asking me to pursue creative venues in response to Him. He wants me to record what is going on because it is important to Him and healing for me. This isn't about being marketable. This isn't a space to brag. This is a space to share and embrace His intimate awareness of me and my intimate awareness of Him.
 

In light of this realization, while reading Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards, I was particularly struck by this statement:

"The potential force of the creative, imaginative human brain is almost limitless. Drawing may help you come to know this power and make it know to others. Through drawing, you are made visible."

Edwards then goes on to quote the German artist Albrecht Durer who said:

"From this, the treasure secretly gathered in your heart will become evident through your creative work."

This is exactly what I believe happens when I choose to respond to God in prayer through drawing, painting, dancing, singing, whatever! It's not about the product. The art produced is only the means, and not the end. The true end is this - knowing Him.

The art just makes me better able to "see" Him and work He is doing in me.

On that note, here is a "prayer" piece. 

"Sink Prayer" Inkpen 4x4