Praying in Color

Creativity is one of God’s attributes. As people made in his image, we humans also are filled with the ability to create. We express our God-given creativity in any number of ways, and not just through the stereo-typical activities – such as “the arts” – that we routinely associate with creative expression. We use and rely on creativity whether we are a building designer, a chef, a manager, or a counselor. Creativity – simply put – is the use of imagination or original ideas to create something. And we can use this aspect of our characters to enrich our experience of prayer. 

A few years ago, I came across the book Praying in Color by Sybil Macbeth. She invites people to connect with God and others, using a free-form way of praying that includes drawing. This practice can be helpful for the visual learner, the distractible soul, the word-weary prayer warrior, or the person who needs a fresh way to pray. 

Learning to “pray in color” is an approach that can help us conquer the enemies of prayer, such as our restlessness. Our short-attention span. The demands of the “to do” list that come prancing across our minds. 

This is where the interactive aspect of praying in color can help, because we intentionally tie our thoughts to our actions; we link our head and our heart and our hands. We engage in physical activity – specifically doodling and drawing – that helps us stay focused. Admittedly, this approach may feel odd at first (particularly if you’ve been trained to pray by sitting still with your eyes closed) but it is tremendously freeing and can enhance our ability to express ourselves to God. 

How do we actually pray in color? I’ve attached a sample, but the idea is to think of someone we want to pray for. Then, as we think about that person or situation, we consider what colors, shapes and words we can use to express our concerns, burden or need. We picture the person as if we were having a face-to-face conversation with them. How would we talk to God about what’s happening and the help that they need? 

So we might jot down words, phrases, or Bible passages. We might use shapes such as dots, circles, or squares to represent the ideas we are bringing to God. We’re not trying to create a work of art, we’re simply using ink, markers, and colored pencils to help make our prayers visual…not just verbal. (By the way, we can pray in color for ourselves, as well as for others.) 

I encourage you to try this and add a new dimension to your prayer life. To explore new ways of meeting God by "praying in color". To discover more about your own God-given creativity by putting your thoughts and requests and burdens into images of prayer. 

Let me pray as you head out into your day. 

Dear Lord, thank you for putting your creative spirit within each one of us. Thank you that we can use that creativity to be more fervent and focused in our prayers. I pray that you would use this tool to help those who may feel restless or distracted, or who struggle with the routine of prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

If you’ve tried this, do you have an experience to share? How has praying in color helped you connect with God?