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Praying with Mandalas

Praying with Mandalas

A Colorful, Contemplative Practice  
by Sharon Seyfarth Garner
Paperback
Creativity Prayer Spiritual Practice Young Adults

Have you ever thought of coloring as a way to pray? Pick up your colored pencils or crayons and discover a creative way to slow down and focus on God.

Sharon Seyfarth Garner invites adults to color mandalas as an easy, enjoyable, and tangible way to "be with God on purpose." Praying with Mandalas blends the relaxing and contemplative practice of coloring with these ancient spiritual practices:

  • Lectio divina (meditative reading of scripture)
  • Intercessory prayer
  • Centering prayer
  • Examen (reviewing the day's events to see where God was present)

This coloring book guides you through heartfelt, hands-on experiences of prayer. Delight in the colorful, contemplative practice of praying with mandalas.

FEATURES

  • 10 pages of 4 blank mandala designs (40 mandalas)
  • Information on the use of mandalas in Christian tradition
  • Tips for praying with mandalas
  • Simple explanations of mandalas and 4 spiritual practices
  • Can be used with individuals or groups in diverse settings: retreats, hospitals, elder care residences, prisons, campus ministries, family devotions, and more
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-8358-1634-2
Publisher: The Upper Room
Imprint: Upper Room Books
Publication Date: 11/15/2016
Pages: 136
Dimensions: 10.0000 x 8.0000 x 0.2960

Sharon Seyfarth Garner is an ordained United Methodist pastor, a spiritual director, and a retreat leader. She founded Belly of the Whale Spiritual Direction & Retreat Ministries in 2014. Sharon finds great joy in sharing the journey of spiritual discovery with others. She also enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, making pottery, singing loudly, and taking long walks with her husband and dog.

Reviews

Praying with Mandalas is a unique resource for longtime spiritual sojourners as well as those delving into the depths of prayer life for the first time. Using personal stories, heartwarming illustrations, clear explanations, and step-by-step instructions, Rev. Seyfarth Garner makes this creative practice both intriguing and accessible. Individuals and small groups will find this book to be a valuable guide as they explore the wonder of “being with God on purpose.”
—Rev. Sharon L. Vandegrift,
Coach/Consultant, Bridge-the-Gap Life Coaching Services

I have been such a fan of the adult coloring book trend, especially ones that facilitate prayer and contemplation. But Sharon Seyfarth Garner’s book is a revelation. With short descriptions and guided meditations, she invites us to enter into ancient prayer practices, such as centering prayer and the Examen, through coloring. Her book is accessible to people who have never tried these forms of prayer and useful for those who are seasoned. Take up your colored pencils or crayons and connect with God in new yet ancient ways.
—Kristen E. Vincent,
Author of A Bead and a Prayer

I have not seen such a deeply spiritual coloring book as Praying with Mandalas. Sharon Seyfarth Garner not only offers beautiful and inspiring mandalas to color, she also provides readers with rich and understandable methods of prayer forms: lectio divina, intercessory prayer, centering prayer, and the Examen. This book is a must for anyone seeking to enrich and deepen his or her spiritual life.
—Marla J. Loehr, PhD
Spiritual companion, retreat director, and past president of
Notre Dame College of Ohio

This is a book about praying and a book for praying. Sharon’s interactive and invitational style makes it useful for veteran pray-ers as well as those who struggle with the discipline of prayer. I found it nearly impossible to resist the urge to grab a box of colored pencils and start praying!
—The Rev. Laura Jaquith Bartlett
Program Director, Alton L. Collins Retreat Center
Eagle Creek, Oregon

Like Sharon, I grew up loving coloring books. As an adult, I continued the practice as a way to relax and reduce stress . With too much work and too little time, I find it challenging to maintain a daily mindfulness practice, coloring, and prayer. Using Praying with Mandalas as a visual prayer journal, I can practice mindfulness and contemplative coloring. The four prayer mandalas offer a new way to make scripture come alive. The inspirational stories, instructive messages, and tips have renewed my prayer life. Not only is Praying with Mandalas now my go-to coloring book, but combined with a great set of coloring pencils, it will be the perfect gift for my family and friends.
—Deborah L. Plummer, PhD
Vice Chancellor/Chief Diversity Officer, University of Massachusetts Medical School,
Psychologist, and Author, Racing Across the Lines: Changing Race Relations
Through Friendships


More than just another “how-to” book on prayer, Praying with Mandalas invites us into contemplative coloring and teaches us refreshing ways to be with God on purpose. As we learn about lectio divina, intercessory prayer, centering prayer, and the Ignatian Examen, we experience fewer distractions in prayer and find a deeper relationship with God. This is a book for beginners and seasoned pray-ers!
—John L. Hopkins
Retired Bishop, East Ohio Conference
The United Methodist Church

Sharon Seyfarth Garner offers an ancient yet new meditative practice to help us listen for God’s voice and discern our own hearts in a way that helps us be intentional about focusing on God.
—Sally Dyck
Bishop, Northern Illinois Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church

In a constantly busy, restless world, Praying with Mandalas is a reminder to pause and reconnect with God. It guides readers to be still while engaging in practical contemplation. An excellent prayer companion for every Christian.
—Rev. Prince Devanandan
President, Methodist Church of New Zealand

Sharon Seyfarth Garner breathes new life into the spiritual discipline of prayer through Praying with Mandalas. She creatively connects the art of contemplative coloring mandalas with various forms of prayer, thereby giving new insights into praying through lectio divina, intercession, centering prayer, and the Examen. My spiritual life has been enriched through this valued resource as it empowers life-giving time with God.
—Bruce Fenner, Director of Endorsement and
Endorsing Agent of The United Methodist Church, Higher Education and Ministry

Praying with Mandalas has a permanent place in my prayer corner, providing a calming way into prayer that opens my soul anew to God. Four beautiful designs invite profound centering, gentle intercession, and receptive listening for God’s latest whispers. Use this wonderful book, and you will be richly blessed.
—Hope Morgan Ward
Bishop, North Carolina Conference
The United Methodist Church

What a joy it is to encounter a book that includes several of my passions to actively connect with God through prayer, color, and circles. Sharon Seyfarth Garner has beautifully and eloquently reminded us of practices of the past that allow us to connect with our spirit in the present through active prayer. A refreshing way to reestablish a stronger relationship with God.
—Rev. Kristen L. Brown
Missionary and spiritual director

Praying with Mandalas is true soul food! It presents a joyful and comforting way to intentionally connect with God. I particularly enjoyed learning about ancient practices and understanding how to incorporate them into my spiritual practices. This contemplative coloring book is perfectly paced to slow down the busiest of people. God’s love is clearly reflected in Praying with Mandalas, and I can’t wait to give this book as gifts to my friends and family.
—Dr. Rachel Elahee,
Psychologist, Executive Coach, and
Author of Choose You! Reignite Your Passion for Life

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