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Christianity Today, January, 2008 |

Doodling with Devotion

How the simplest art can become a form of prayer.

Robin Gallaher Branch | posted 1/28/2008 08:35AM

Sybil MacBeth, a mathematics instructor by profession, doodler and dancer by avocation, has written, and doodled, a daring devotional. Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God chronicles her experiments ...

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George T.

Posted: February 02, 2008 9:31 PM


What a perfect example that "without (trusting) God, nothing can be achieved.

lala	Posted: February 01, 2008 12:13 PM


I think this is terrific! I believe that communication with God goes beyond words-- why should we be limited to only spoken prayer? God has given us our talents/interests why not use them to glorify Him and workship Him and pray to Him?! I think God wants our prayer to be honest and open not contrived and restricted. I am looking forward to trying this out.

E. Osgood

Posted: January 31, 2008 5:47 PM

After reading this article, I checked this book out at the library and have read parts of it, but not all. I would not recommend this as one's only form of prayer, but I have tried it myself and found it in the last few days to be an encouraging exercise when the task of prayer seems discouragingly overwhelming. It seems appropriate that those who do not struggle with prayer should not criticise creative methods that legitimately aid those who do. Furthermore, evangelicals frequently underestimate and even completely disregard the power of images (even abstract images) for those whose thinking and learning styles are predominately visual. A couple of years spent in an Anglican church showed me the richness that can be added to a worship service through the intentional use of color and symbolism, and I see no biblical or theological reason that this could not apply to prayer as well. The comparison to using pornography in prayer is absolutely absurd.

Alan	Posted: January 29, 2008 1:17 PM


1. Ephrem Hagos = a study in missing the point 2. Ephrem Hagos = a study in the "I don't do things the same way as you do, so you must be wrong" brand of theology 3. Philip = see points #1 and #2 4. The truth: Any path that leads you back to yourself is bad. Any path that leads you to the God of the Bible is good. Neither path looks exactly the same for everyone.

Denise from Big D

Posted: January 29, 2008 11:59 AM


Praying over pornography! Now,that is a concept for intercession! As a former accomplice in this industry, I know that the women in these "gentlemen's" magazines are only a comodity used by the publishers and the "readers". I say we should ALL intercede over this published trash for the eternal souls of all involved, the women, the readers, the business people involved.

nate	Posted: January 29, 2008 11:16 AM

If I was speaking to someone face to face- then all of a sudden they decided they wanted to talk to me in doodles I don't think our communication would be improved. In fact that seems to be a huge step backwards. Common sense seems to indicate that this "new prayer" is really more of a self reflection on something of concern to us, while pushing God further out of the equation. And I might add it is of concern that she "prays" in spats of gratitude and rage. Aren't we supposed to put rage aside? There is a place for righteous anger- but not for rage. If this new way to pray inspires rage I suggest that it is not in fact prayer at all.

Sarah

Posted: January 28, 2008 8:43 PM

I really like this book - I already have it. I find that my own variation on this helps me to stay focused on a scripture passage during my prayer time, and I was delighted to find a book with another version of this. I also find that when I paint or doodle, I can keep the picture in my mind and come back to that prayer more easily later on. I wouldn't use it as my only way of praying, but there are times it is a real help.

bluazul

Posted: January 28, 2008 6:19 PM


Excellent and creative idea to help keep focused and maintain an engaged and creative attitude using many of our senses!

Philip

Posted: January 28, 2008 6:17 PM


A piece of spiritual humbug. Christianity Today should be renamed Roman Catholic Today.

Pat	Posted: January 28, 2008 5:12 PM


It seems inappropriate--vegetables, triangles and kites, however, God must be pleased with MacBeth as she seeks Him using her creative talents Another art form: A Jesuit sent me a rosary with instructions. I use the beads while meditating on the gospel stories from the Annunciation to the Resurrection. Wow! What a spiritual event! and a powerful way to pray.

presence of Jesus

Posted: January 28, 2008 5:07 PM


Trusting jesus to "be there" when you are praying and playing and messing about creatively with thoughts and words can draw you lovingly into his arms and let you grow in your spirituality. But the whole process should be focussed on being with Jesus in his presence: Chatting and lovingly keeping yourself occupied, not just on your own but "in Him".

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