Praising in Color

In June Dennis and I made a trip to the UK where he was to chair the British Isles District Conference in Birmingham, England. We arrived a couple days early to drive just across the border into Scotland to meet Marc and Penny, colleagues in mission. 

Dennis met Marc two years ago when he attended a leadership course. I was eager to meet this couple, but I had no idea as we drove up to their home how significant our time would be.

During our first evening together, the four of us gathered in the living room to chat. It didn't take long until there were two conversations. Penny and I sat in comfy chairs sipping tea and realized that we had a lot in common. We share the same decade in age, which gave us plenty of things to talk about! We discovered that we have similarities in family background, spiritual journeys, interests, a passion for helping others find healing and restoration, and a passionate heart for our children.

During our conversation, Penny shared about a recent book she had read entitled Praying in Color.  She described how the author, Sybil MacBeth, shares her story of using pen and watercolor pencils to sketch designs, adding color with the pencils, finishing it off with brush and water. It was an intriguing idea, and I instantly took interest in this new avenue of prayer. 

I have never considered myself artistic, but I can doodle or draw simple pictures. Thankfully, praying in color is not just for those who have artistic ability. I discovered just about anybody could do this.

So I tried. Up to this point I have done what I call praising in color. Each of the three drawings I have done so far demonstrate what God has done in my life this past summer. As I ponder scripture and reflect on God's character, my mind begins to create an image. My soul wells up with gratitude as pen meets paper, and the piece begins to flow.

One day in September I sat on a park bench that lined Déak Square, one of Budapest's busiest squares. People were passing by on their way to tour or shop. I pulled a journal out of my bag bought especially for this new prayer idea with thicker pages for the strokes of a wet brush. I had a scripture in mind - You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing from Psalm 30 - and I began to draw. This verse described what God did for me this past summer. He took those things that have weighed heavy on my heart for too long, giving me a new perspective, replacing the heaviness with joy. I name each of my pictures. This one I call Dancin’ Shoes!

By the time we left Scotland, I had a new friend, and a new way to enhance my prayer life.

Thanks, Penny, for sharing the praying in color idea with me. You are one of my grace-filled gifts of summer 2011.