Back last spring, at a young adult retreat, I had the opportunity to explore prayer in different ways that were new to me. Methods that I had not really used before or even considered in my understanding of prayer. It was an enlightening experience, and I left the retreat feeling more strongly rooted in my faith and more assured and affirmed in my relationship with God than I had felt in a while. Exploring prayer in a new and different way—in a way that may seem “outside the box” from our traditional understandings of prayer—was rejuvenating.
Art therapy is the combination of the creative process and psychotherapy, to facilitate self-exploration and understanding. “Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate,” according to the Canadian Art Therapy Association. Similar to this therapeutic practice, I spent a lot of time at this retreat exploring prayer through artistic and creative means. Through this, in both guided exercises and in my free time, I found myself engaging in prayer in a way that felt more grounded, more open, and more honest, as I busied my hands with the materials in front of me.
This issue’s feature invites you to reflect on your own prayer practice, what may work for you and what may not. It opens the conversation to considering the different ways in which we engage in prayer, and offers insight into how one can strengthen their prayer life, or change things up.
How do you pray? What resonates with you in your prayer life? If you’re open to sharing, send me a Post to editor@elcic.ca .
As well this issue, you will find some new pages within the magazine! As alluded to last issue, as we welcome in a new year, we also welcome in new Canada Lutheran content.
Here is a brief guide:
Page 6: Living Out God’s Grace & Unconditional Love
Replacing In Mission, this page still serves a similar function—highlighting individuals in our church who are Living Out God’s Grace & Unconditional Love…an opportunity to get to know and relate to fellow Lutherans across the ELCIC, I hope this page brings you inspiration and community, as it does for me.
Page 9: From our Partners
This new column will highlight stories from our many partners! This page is an opportunity to get to know the work and mission of those we are in partnership with, and an exciting way to engage further.
Page 15: Kids’ Corner
This page is designed in collaboration with
kids for the ELCIC’s youngest members, their adults, and anyone else who is interested in lifelong learning. Each issue, the page will share stories, activities and resources that will inspire learning, faith and community.
Page 31: Faith @ Home
Previously Voices From Scripture, shepherded by Deacon Sherry Coman, the Bible study column is shifting to feature various writers and voices, each bringing different perspectives, themes and topics to the table, for a Bible study series that will provide a wide scope of teachings and reflection. We thank Sherry for her work, dedication and insight that she has given to this column over the past years, and while we look forward to expanding our learning with the introduction of new voices, we also welcome Sherry’s continued contributions!
I look forward to sharing these new pages with you all, and I hope that they enrich your Canada Lutheran experience. I’m very excited to see the reflection, creativity and learning that these pages may spark!
Happy New Year!
Sarah Malina
Editor
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