Spiritual Tool -- Art

This will be last of my series on Spiritual Toolbox! Art.

For many people art is an excellent means of worshipping God. The Christian Church has gone through phases of creation, abuse and even destruction when it comes to ‘art’. There was a time called the ‘Iconoclast’ movement when misguided followers thought that others were worshipping the items of art as idols that were opposed to God, instead of using the item as a way to better connect to God. Today, I believe that we have a better understanding of icons, as means of support for our expressions of worship.

I would offer two ways of trying this ‘tool’. First, you can find a piece of art that you are interested in, maybe because of it’s beauty or maybe because it challenges you. As you study that piece of art, talk to God about how the art glorifies God. Maybe it is an ancient picture of Mary and the baby Jesus. It could be a weaving of multicolored threads. Or, maybe it is a piece of sand art. It can really be just about anything that helps you to talk with God.

The second possibility is to create your own piece of art, all the while praying and asking for God’s help in the creation. After hours of work on your own little masterpiece, knowing that you prayed all the while, you can feel a wonderful connection to God within your very own icon. Every time you see the piece, you reconnect to that feeling. It is not about how good it is or how creative. It is about how the art helps you to worship and glorify God.

Good luck with your toolbox of spiritual ways to add to your devotion. I pray that you keep your spiritual toolbox in good shape as you use these ideas regularly.