Research shows that the visual and kinesthetic process is significant for learning and focus. Visual prayer is a hands-on prayer practice that calls for a short “intermission” from daily activity to pick up a pen or pencil.
This pause or slowing down creates a moment of time to “be still” - opening thoughts to the Spirit’s moving. Coloring helps with paying attention and dealing with distractions - which results in more focused prayer. And the picture or visual result often comes to mind throughout the day as a reminder to pray again.
Visual prayer takes place at the kitchen counter, at your desk, or while traveling - it is possible anytime and anywhere you pray. A visual prayer might be as simple as a written-out prayer or prayer requests. It also may include designs, “doodling”, and color added during a time of conversation with God. In this way, visual prayer is both a process - of writing, doodling, and coloring as you pray; and the result is a product or a picture of time spent with God.
In this way, visual prayer is both a process - writing, doodling, and coloring as you pray, as well as a product - a picture of time well spent with your Savior.
Visual Prayer
Visual prayer is the practice of slowing down to write, color, or doodle during a focused time of prayer. This includes beginning with a printable image (Print, Color and Pray) or your own hand-drawn "tangle" design.
This is a prayer tool that results in a concrete, tangible prayer with an image to be recalled in prayerful moments during your day or given to bless someone as a gift of prayer.
Prayer Calendars
There are many ways to “pray in color” with prayer calendars:
• Prayer calendars - You can follow the days of Advent or Lent by adding a word, color, design or drawing to the space for each day, from your prayer time, daily devotion, Bible study – to help you carry that thought as worship throughout the day. You could fill in a regular box calendar or others are available for download from Praying in Color websites.
• If you use a desktop calendar at home or work ~ you could add a prayer response to the box each day before you leave work and end the day … perhaps a connection to something you had “penciled in” for that day or a prayer for an upcoming appointment.
• What about using graph paper? Might be a doable “canvas” for the more structured thinker.
Simple: Prayer templates & inspirational coloring book pages are available almost everywhere – craft stores, Target, Walmart, gas stations - and on websites/blogs for free downloads. You just need a pen and colored pencils.
These prayer calendars and coloring pages can be kept accessible – in a file, notebook, or clipboard on your kitchen desk or work station or near the phone – so that when you get a phone call or think of a prayer need, it can be easily and quickly written down so you don’t forget … prayer & coloring can always take place later when you have time.
