Morning Offering
Come, Creator Spirit. Breathe life into me as I fill my whole being with you. Give me the graces to be present to you so that I might perceive your infinite love for me through the beauty I encounter today. Nourish my intuition and awaken me through beauty, so that I may glimpse the reality of your truth and goodness. I pray that my soul will be in the present moment, pure, and newly awakened to you. I give you the distractions which distance me from you, so that I might know of your presence throughout my day. I love you, and I live this day for you. I lay this day, with all my work, joys, and sorrows, in your hands to redeem, mould, and shape into the masterpiece you desire. Amen.
Spiritual + Creative Prompt
This week’s spiritual and creative prompts will help us turn our attention to God’s presence and perceive Him, specifically through the beauty of creation.
By immersing ourselves in nature, we will be awakened and present to the author of creation. We hope to more readily perceive and encounter God in the beauty around us. We will slow our pace and contemplate God through collecting pieces of nature. This will help us grow in intentionality. We will be able to contemplate God without distractions and see nature with the eyes of a pure soul.
Nature Walk
This week, spend some time in nature. You might sit quietly in your yard, take a hike in the woods, or a walk around the neighborhood. As you wander, remain unplugged from technology and instead tune into your senses. What do you see, smell, touch? How does the sun (or rain!) feel on your skin? Are there things you’ve never noticed before?
We invite you to pray this prayer:
A Prayer for the Sanctification of the Senses
Divine Inspiration, quiet the noise around and within me. Help me to listen as you speak to me in the stillness. As if lit by candlelight, your countenance shimmers, radiating into my soul. Enable my senses to crave the brilliance of your splendor and not be satisfied by their own appetites. Thank you for my body and my life. I pray that my body and my life can be icons of your radiant grandeur. Craft each moment of my life so that others may be undeniably drawn to you. Work through me, so that I might aid in the redemption of the world. Amen.
Prepare my eyes to see the color, hues, and light of your beauty.
Prepare my hands to feel the texture, shape, and weight of your beauty.
Prepare my ears to hear the sweetness of your beautiful voice.
Prepare my tongue to taste and proclaim the beauty of your goodness and love.
Prepare my lungs to breathe in your beautiful fragrance.
Prepare my whole being to receive You, Lord, who are Beauty Himself.
Amen.
Remember that God is present with you as you walk. He created everything you see, hear, feel, and experience. He longs to speak to you through nature. Along the way, collect a few items, such as leaves, small flowers, and twigs. Bring them home with you to use for this week’s creative prompt.
Nature Collage
Materials:
Sketchbook
Tape or glue
Pencil or pen
Art medium of your choice, such as colored pencils, watercolor paint
Directions:
Arrange the items you’ve collected in your sketchbook and secure them using tape or glue. You could use the items to make an image or a pattern, or leave each separate—it’s up to you! Spend time studying the intricate details and use your art supplies to document what you see. Try your hand at sketching the items. Make notes about where you found the items, what they remind you of, or simply how you felt during your nature walk. Did you experience God’s presence? Write about it.
Make it your own:
Consider these suggestions, especially If you are working in your own creative (non-sketchbook) hobby/medium.
If the weather and your creative hobby/outlet permits, spend some time creating outside.
What inspired you from your time outside? Think of what you experienced through your senses for inspiration.
Ponder God’s presence in His creation as you craft.
If you aren’t able to sit and work on these prompts due to the season of life you’re in (toddlers, work obligations, etc.), remember that we’re called to make our very lives a work of art! This week, reflect on the themes, reflection questions, and ideas in this week’s prompts during your daily activities.
(Psst…If you’re sharing updates of your creative process, be sure to tag @ScatterandSow on social media, and use #StirredToWonder.)
Evening Offering
Redeemed: An Evening Offering of the Day’s Beauty
Giver of good gifts, thank you for inviting me to participate in the mystery of your creation. Thank you for all I have received today. As I lay my body down tonight, I offer you the fruits of my labors, and with them, the shortcomings, failures, and fears that prevent me from resting in the beauty of your embrace. Creator of the universe, you are making all things new, even now. Help me to trust in your redemptive power so that when I rise I am ready once more to receive and serve you. Amen.
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