The Art of Prayer
A Guided Prayer While Coloring the Icon of Jesus
You may recall that back in May I spoke about the art of seeing and Iconography. Because of my never‑ending pursuit to deepen my relationship with Our Lord, I also mentioned considering giving the practice a try.
Well, my friends, I have, and it was so fruitful. I decided to do this over the course of a week. I chose to paint with acrylic on a piece of wood I purchased at Walmart. Next I needed a drawing, so I selected an image of Jesus to transfer onto the board. Each day I focused on a different section, making that part the center of my prayer and attention.
Below is a guided iconography prayer written to accompany the act of coloring this icon. It is designed to be prayed slowly, either silently or aloud, pausing as each section is colored. You may adapt the pacing to your own rhythm.
Day 1: I Drew the Image on the piece of wood.
Day 2: I painted the crown of thorns. With each thorn I paused and prayed for the times I fell short, for those I hurt, for the regrets I carry, and for the grace to do better.
Day 3: I painted the first half of his hair, careful with each stroke. For each strand, in my prayer I quietly thanked him for every blessing.
Day 4 & 5: I finished his hair. For each strand I thanked him for the individuals He has brought into my life and for the many blessings that have shaped my journey
As I painted his face, I recalled St. Veronica, how she gently wiped the tears, sweat, and blood from Jesus’ face and offered him comfort. In that simple, compassionate act she shared in his suffering, and so I, too, join in His sorrow. In this quiet gesture of painting, as I focus on the face of my beloved, I find myself asking him: how can I comfort others?
Day 6: I began to paint Jesus’ halo, tracing the circle with deliberate, reverent strokes. I imagined this divine light surrounding not only Christ but also enfolding me. I prayed quietly: May Your light illumine my darkness, and may Your steady presence sanctify this ordinary moment.
Day 7:
I painted the background and His garment. As I shaded the fabrics and filled in the surrounding space, I prayed: Christ, You clothed Yourself in our humanity. You entered fully into our world so that our world might be healed and restored. Let each stroke be a quiet reminder of how You are present in every moment of my life in my work and in my rest, in my joy and in my sorrow.
Day *8
I sealed the painting with a glaze.
It was a truly wonderful prayer experience, rich with a wide range of emotions. I am deeply grateful for the time and insight it brought me. I have created one for you to try as well. Don’t worry, you won’t need to draw or buy any fancy equipment. All you need is a printer and some crayons or colored pencils, and then simply follow the guided prayer. To download it, please click on the labeled image at the bottom of this blog. Let me know how it goes; I hope it will be fruitful for you too!
Below is a guided iconography prayer written to accompany the act of coloring this icon. It is intended to be prayed slowly, either silently or aloud, pausing as each section is colored to allow for reflection. Feel free to adapt the pacing to your own rhythm and needs. I would be delighted to see your finished icons, so please do share them!
To download click on the image.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your spiritual journey! Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.Fran Acosta,OFS
