Morning Offering
Come, Creator Spirit. Breathe life into me as I fill my whole being with you. Give me the graces to be transformed by your beauty so that I might grow in devotion to your most Sacred Heart today. I pray that my soul will be transfigured in complete devotion to you. Give me the graces to turn away from anything that takes me away from you today, and to turn toward you with fervent fidelity as your beloved daughter. I desire to love you and others freely. 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 ponder the transformation that is happening in our hearts and help us practice our devotion to our Heavenly Father.
Through meditating on the transformation of the bread and wine into Jesus’ body and blood while at Mass or through reading Scripture, we will see how God goes through a transformation to literally give Himself to us while we are on earth. We desire to transform our hearts in devotion to Him in return. Through repetition and patterns, we will practice persistence even when we don’t know what the fruit of our labor will be. Through the work we put in, we will gradually be able to see a transformation happening on paper and hopefully in our hearts as well.
TRANSFORMING LOVE
This week, we want to challenge you to carve out an hour at least one day this week to attend daily Mass. We know it may not be possible for all to go in person, but fortunately there are so many virtual options at this time! If you’re really pressed for time, you could also read the story of the last supper (The Gospel of John, Ch 6.).
During Mass, focus on the transformation that happens at the consecration, when the Lord changes bread and wine into His actual body and blood. Sit with the reality that He does this out of love for you. Then ask the Lord to help you respond in devotion to Him and transform any parts of your life that need to change in order to love Him and others better.
Transforming lines
This week in our sketchbooks, we’ll explore how repeating a design element can fill and transform a blank page. Line by line, you’ll see how small and simple marks can add up to something mesmerizing! This is how transformation happens in our lives, too—little by little!
Materials:
Sketchbook
Pen, Pencil, or Paint + Paintbrush
Directions:
First, open your sketchbook and with your pen, draw a handful of sweeping, waving lines across the page. Allow the lines to intersect here and there. The lines may look like veins on a leaf.
Then, begin to make more lines, starting from the intersection points of your vein lines. These smaller, connecting lines can bubble out or wave a bit. Whatever you decide, repeat the motion of the line several times with each new line.
After a time, you can move on to a different intersection point or begin to create new ‘branches’ of your vein lines.
With each branch, fill in the gaps with more lines. This is meditative, relaxing work. As your pen gets into a rhythm, your breathing may too. Allow your thoughts and prayers to follow. How is the Lord’s transforming love at work in your life?
Make it your own:
Consider these suggestions, especially If you are working in your own creative (non-sketchbook) hobby/medium.
What requires persistence in the work you are doing? How can that persistence help you in your relationship with God?
What is an area of your life that needs transformation in order to stay devoted to God? Step back and reflect on that area as you create and pray that God might transform it.
As you work, pray for someone who is especially challenging for you to love.
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 6: Music & Prayers