Drawing Into Prayer

by Pastor and Spiritual Director
(Washington)

When I picked this book up I prayed that I might dare to draw/sketch again or play my piano with someone's inspiration. I talk too much. The world is too much with me. I crave the calm and focus of God at the center of my life, body and soul. I felt that this book might settle me with my God but in less formal contemplative ways less than my theological training and church experience.

Jenifer's story brought me to my knees, we share much in our 'her-story' of life at home and beyond. My heart broke having been a teacher, godmother, and aunt who also lives with and through life's bumpy spots and joys with our families, both chosen and inherited.

What really carried me along was the Quaker experiences and her sage views on the "church" however and wherever it is. My own denomination is also, the United Church of Christ. It's statement, "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!" is the bottom line for me. Jenifer took that to heart and brings us all along in that inclusive, tender, open, feeling approach to prayer: attending to God by listening and just drawing in to the sacred space.

I have now gifted many in my spiritual direction gaggle with this book as a place and way to hear and see differently. There is a joy in sharing this artistically unique and delicious book! These 'doodles' as she called them early on are exquisite. She loosened my hand and brought me to colors again. (Coloring books as a kid were the mainstay of my expression ~ albeit outside the lines once in a while ~ along with reading and quiet times outdoors.) So, we are on parallel tracks here and able to find the soul soaking time in the midst of our multitasking and hypervigilant lives.

Thanks be to God for her calling to write, and draw, and listen, and be fully expansive in her truth told with details hard to miss. This book shares her inmost path! May we all dare to follow our own enLIGHTenment! The quotes, drawings, poetry, and practical ways to try out on our own are like a walk in the Holy Land with Jesus alongside giving gentle permission to make prayer our own as we call upon our God to help us heal and love this world.