Morning Offering
Come, Creator Spirit. Breathe life into me as I fill my whole being with you. Give me the graces to fully surrender to you through beauty, so that I might grow to trust you without reserve. I accept your most Perfect Will. Help me go through my crosses with you as you went through yours. I desire to lay down my life so you can raise it up with you. I surrender all that is holding me back from fully entering into your love. I give you every part of my life, so it can be redeemed with you, especially my suffering. 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 to surrender the things we need to surrender to God’s care and increase our trust in Him and His most perfect will in our lives.
We will be struck by the beauty of Christ’s ultimate surrender on the cross in the midst of unthinkable suffering. We will bring every part of our lives to him as a gift and He will take care of it. We will know that our sufferings and every part of our lives can be redeemed with Christ and we will physically place these things at the foot of His cross. We will have hope that God will provide for us instead of an expectation of what He will do with the things we lay at the cross. We will practice having trust by trying new things in our creative works that challenge us.
In Light of the Cross
This week, set up a crucifix in your home where you can reflect on the beauty of Christ’s love for you through His suffering on the cross. We recommend lighting a candle and placing it beside the crucifix. Spend some time gazing at the crucifix in the candle light. Reflect on Jesus’ total surrender of self...for you. Even if you were His only daughter, He still would have chosen the same act of love. Ask yourself: Where do I see beauty in the crucifix? How can I respond to Jesus’ love for me by surrendering all I am to Him...even my suffering? Where do I need to trust in Him in my life right now?
Then, whisper to Him...
“Jesus, I trust in You. Your Will be done.”
The Foot of the Cross
Materials:
Sketchbook
Drawing and painting tools
Optional: additional paper to cut, images and objects from around your home, images from magazines, tape or glue
Directions:
Draw or paint a cross in your sketchbook. At the foot of the cross, illustrate or list things you want to surrender to the Lord. It can help to physically place things on the page, so you might also consider trying your hand at making a collage using images or objects that represent the things you want to hand over to God.
Make it your own:
Consider these suggestions, especially If you are working in your own creative (non-sketchbook) hobby/medium.
Set up a crucifix and candle in your work space and pray the work you do will glorify God.
Think of something that would challenge or stretch you in your work in order to get outside of your comfort zone, forcing you to surrender and trust. Try it!
Think of the things you need to surrender, and with each brush stroke, stitch, or movement, etc. offer them up to God.
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.
UP NEXT: Week 4: Music & Prayers