How to Pray in Color - Chapter 8

Now is the time to create a Prayer Album - a unique, very personal scrapbook that is your visual prayer list. Remember, you are not making a keepsake to sit on a coffee table or shelf. The purpose of this small album is to be a reminder to pray. It will be handled every day... recording answers to prayer and new requests. It is supposed to show wear and tear from the spiritual activity of a person involved in unceasing conversation with his/her Heavenly Father.

Supply list:

Small spiral bound blank book - 5"x8" blank books are available at stores like Hobby Lobby for less than $3.

Lord's Prayer - printed so that the phrases can be cut apart and adhered to the corresponding page

Photos of people you want to pray for - copies if desired

Scissors

Adhesives - glue stick, double sided tape

Extras - decorative papers, stickers, rubber stamps, markers and pens, scissors and punches, etc.

Tips

My first Prayer Album reminded me of a ransom note. I used pictures, words, and phrases from magazines to express my thoughts about gratitude, forgiveness, etc. Just the process of building a page caused me to concentrate on what each topic meant between me and God.

Decorate/fill only the right page of your open album. Leave the page on the left side blank for recording answers, progress reports or new requests.

Check out the slide show for examples of prayer album pages.

Worship -"Our Father..."

The album opens with an art page that expresses your view of God. Close your eyes and think about God, holy and in Heaven. What colors do you see in your mind? Use these impressions to create your first page.

You can choose from a wide variety of scrapbook papers that picture sky scenes. The uneven texture of handmade paper produces the feeling of clouds. Use rubber stamps with metallic inks and paints to bring to mind the streets of gold.

Intercession - Thy kingdom..."

This is the one topic that will be more than a single page. Fill each page with groups, e.g. family, extended family, co-workers, church friends, and so on. (Don't forget to leave the left side blank!) If you don't have a picture for each person on your list, write in the names or use a symbol (such as a mug for a coffee loving friend).

As you see the pictures of your family and friends it is easy to be distracted from your goal of requesting spiritual blessing for these people. Remember, "Thy kingdom come" covers spiritual needs - salvation for unbelievers and victorious living for those who already know Jesus Christ as Savior.

Obedience - "Thy will..."

This art page is a unique reminder to obey God. Whether you emphasize heaven and earth, or just make a pretty page, be sure to include the word "obey" somewhere on the page.

Gratitude - "Give us this day..."

Are you a grateful person? Does God shower you with blessings that you overlook? Design a page that will remind you to be thankful for all the ways that God provides for your physical needs every day.

Forgiveness - "Forgive us our debts..."

The most common symbol of forgiveness is the cross. Use it on this page as a daily reminder to forgive others in the same way you have been forgiven. Use bold colors and designs on this page to emphasize the importance of forgiveness.

Submission - "Lead us..."

The paths of life bring many images to mind - feet, shoes, roads, paths, maps; even hand-in-hand pictures can help you visualize this concept. Using a progression of things (light to dark, small to large) will suggest leading, as you ask God to "lead" you through life.

Deliverance - "Deliver us..."

The theme of this page is escape. Portray a doorway, window or an open gate to suggest an exit. Design a box or any container that would imply entrapment. Always include the word "escape" somewhere on the page, so that you will have the daily reminder that God provides a "way of escape" from evil.

Praise - "For thine is the kingdom..."

The last page - a celebration of praise on paper! Use anything you can find to display the joy you feel. Bright papers and intricate designs emphasize the wonder and power of God.

But wait! After using your Prayer Album for 4 - 6 months, completely re-create your album. Develop new ways to express the topics of the Lord's Prayer on paper. These fresh pages will re-energize your commitment to pray. This ongoing schedule for re-creating your Prayer Album will be an encouragement to maintain the habit of prayer