Coloring Outside the Lines Today—In Prayer

Coloring Outside the Lines Today—In Prayer

There were a number of positive, even deep comments made today by the author of my prayer guide. Yet, one sentence popped out at me. Called attention to itself. “The principle of prayer is like pictures children color: there are no bad pictures, and you are encouraged to color outside the lines.” [1]

How often do I feel like a child, coloring outside of the lines? I know I am one. I know I need God’s forgiveness, and God’s patience. I realize I need both of these, so much. Maybe not every day, but most days. Or nights.

Ironic, how Rev. Howell has a positive spin on children coloring outside of the lines. He implies the freedom inherent in the image of the child coloring. Yes, but . . .

Here, I am putting a less than optimum stance on that same image. God, please help me to see that image in a positive way, like Rev. Howell. I very much want to feel that freedom, a God-given attitude. It’s not only in prayer, but in all of my life—our lives. God, please help us to pray.

@chaplaineliza

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[1] James C. Howell, The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray, Abingdon Press (Nashville, TN: 2003), 22.