By Pam Adamson
Last week I spoke to you about my prayer life. Today, I’d like to recap some of what I shared and add a few more ideas from “My Spiritual Toolbox.” Prayer truly is a central part of my life. I honestly don’t know how I would get through a day without it.
Some techniques that have been helpful to me:
Create or buy your own “God Box.” My first was just a plain white box that I decorated with colored markers and glitter. You saw my current one, a Hope Basket from Longaberger, which is so full that I am thinking of putting it in a larger basket. It is important that it has a lid or closure of some kind. The closing of the lid, or closure, creates a kind of ritual of letting go – of “letting go and letting God.”
Engage in “process” painting or drawing. This is a wonderful, therapeutic, and fun way to pray! It allows you to engage your creativity and process thoughts, feelings, emotions, and situations. Invite God into your process as you use crayons, markers, glitter pens, paint, pastels, oil pastels, charcoal, etc. This process engages both the creative right side and the logical left side of our brains. Create a ritual of closure to finish your session and give your prayer to God.
Put the date on prayers you write or draw. This allows you to periodically go back and review them. Seeing prayers that God has answered is wonderful reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Create “sacred space” in your home. I am a very visual person and I have created numerous places throughout our home. As I am typing this on my computer, when I look up, I see the postcard of Grace Church that my brother Jeff created for Twila’s first Sunday. Every time I see it, I say a prayer for Grace. You can use pictures, icons, figurines, a cross or crucifix, things that are meaningful to you to create your sacred space. A candle can help transform any space into a sacred space. Light the candle and say a prayer, or just sit in silence with the Light of Christ.
Use a prayer board or prayer calendar. A white board and erasable markers are great for this. Write down the names of people or situations you want to pray for. Mine is by my front door. Every day when I pass it, I say a prayer. Some days my prayer is for everyone on my Prayer Board. Some days I focus on a specific name. When the board is full or a prayer is answered, I erase it, making room for more prayers.
Pray while you drive. This is also a great time to simply listen. I often do this on my way to and from work. Audio daily office prayers are available at missionstclare.com.