Centering Prayer for Everyone

Picture Book: Journey to the Heart:                                                              Centering Prayer for Children
Author: Frank X. Jelenek
Illustrator: Ann Boyajian
Summary: This beautiful book encourages all children of God to take a journey by simply sitting quietly and being with God. Even preschoolers can follow these simple steps. 

First the concept of soul (the deepest part of your heart - the home of God inside you) is introduced and explained as the destiny of this holy journey. This book is trinitarian: I am made in God's image and I'm like Jesus, too, and a part of me is filled with the Holy Spirit.

It is recommended that you choose a secret word or phrase for the Holy One you seek. It's like a key that opens the door to begin the journey. After sitting  silently, with eyes closed and feet on the floor, repeat your word like a whisper in your heart where only God can hear it and will whisper back "I love you." An introductory phrase is suggested (Welcome Holy Spirit, pray with us and in us today.)

The book addresses the inevitable distractions, the noises outside and inside of you. (...that's okay just say your secret word again, silently and slowly in your heart. Let your thoughts go... Let them float right out of your head.)

Six minutes of silence are suggested. It is important to know and trust that God will hear you. 

 

The directions are geared toward a small group experience, but praying in this way while alone twice a day is encouraged, such as part of a morning routine and before going to bed. The author is a member of Father Keating’s Contemplative Outreach, a highly respected organization dedicated to teaching centering prayer practices.

Hanna’s Comments: I think meditation is key to a balanced, meaningful life. Centering prayer is the church's purest form of it. Teaching this practice to your faith family would be a gift and a way to make them not only more resilient but also more godly. Unlike most PBT books, I do not recommend reading this entire book aloud. Glean from it wisdom for yourself and your audience. Use the words in a way that best serves them and your particular objectives. I used this book at a prayer station recently. The program was for adults, but centering prayer is so intimidating that I thought adults might respond to the picture book since it is so inviting. They did. Most importantly for this book, it gives you the conceptual grounding and language to help anyone access the beauty and benefits of the practice of centering prayer. This book comes from The Roman Catholic Church, so it recommends ending the practice with the Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer). This is optional, of course, but it would be a nice way to integrate Jesus' teaching about prayer into your lesson. 

Original Publisher & Date: Paraclete, 2007

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Be still before the Lord and wait patiently… (Psalm 37:7); Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10); Call to me and I will answer you (Jeremiah 33:3); When you pray, go to your inner room… (Matthew 6:6); The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13); … the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)

Idea(s) for Application: Use parts of this book to help folks of all ages in your faith family learn more about the grounding spiritual experience of centering prayer. 

Ocean Vocation

I was able to visit the ocean last week! In my opinion, there is no more inspirational natural beauty. The post below features a book about Jacques Cousteau. We ocean-lovers, not to mention oceanographers and those who are worried about the state of today’s oceans, owe a great deal to this man and the work that is still being done in his name. Praise be to those who find their passion (aka vocation) early in life and their work benefits the entire world! 

Picture Book: The Fantastic Undersea Life                                                              of Jacques Cousteau

Author & Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino

Summary: Jacques Cousteau was a sickly French boy whose doctor suggested he swim to build strength. He also loved gadgets, cameras especially. These early experiences would guide his life's work.

His desire to view under the sea and his disdain for the limits of diving suits of his day compelled him to explore with other contraptions. Eventually he invented the Aqua-Lung which allowed divers to breath underwater while swimming. 

Cousteau's strong desire to better see what was under the surface led to inventing a waterproof camera and underwater lights. The mystery of the silent ocean was now much more accessible. The first of his Calypso ships, still widely known internationally, was purchased. 

Meanwhile, a team was recruited for filming their many global explorations . 

The Silent World was Cousteau's first widely-released film. It's audiences were amazed by the ocean's creatures. It was "the first full-length, full-color underwater film." Many TV shows were to follow. This French oceanographer would become a world celebrity.

Even Antarctic oceans were not too far, too deep, or too cold for this team!

The team's next invention was the Diving Saucer, capable of carrying 2 people into the deep ocean. 

Cousteau's great hope was finding a way to live under the sea so they invented underwater labs where scientists would stay for weeks. Alas, our bodies need for sunlight could not be overcome so Cousteau's permanent undersea dwellings were not possible. 

Eventually, return trips to particular oceans showed evidence of death and destruction from pollution. The world's foremost ocean explorer became the world's ocean ambassador, documenting their deterioration and passionately declaring a need for change. His was an early prophetic voice of doom if humanity did not protect its oceans and the treasures and necessities they held.

Hanna’s Comments: Now and then I run across a picture book biography that connects strongly to a biblical figure. Do you see the connections to Jeremiah whose life was spent warning the people of Jerusalem of the doom and destruction that was to come? There are many possibilities here to talk about God-ordained vocations, particularly as they relate to ecology and justice since deteriorating oceans are negatively affecting humans in numerous ways. Another approach for this book in ministry is simply to do a lesson on God's glory in the oceans. What amazing evidence of God's creative spirit! Help your audience imagine earlier generations with no way of knowing there were such creatures as tiger fish or even otters and dolphins and then seeing those creatures on screen in full color in their homes. According to Wikipedia, Cousteau in last book, The Human, The Orchid, and the Octopus, wrote “The glory of nature provides evidence that God exists.” In the back of the book, you’ll find a time line of important events in Cousteau’s life as well as a list of other resources. Can’t find this book? Check out Manfish by Berne & Puybaret or Who Was Jacques Cousteau by Medina and Putra.

Original Publisher & Date: Knopf, 2009

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up

Formats other than Book: Digital

Scripture Connections: Various verses from the book of Jeremiah; I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide… (John 15:16); Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned and to which God has called. (1 Corinthians 7:17); Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called (Ephesians 4:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to inspire art or science activities about the oceans with children in your faith community or a vocational retreat for older teens looking to connect their spiritual passions with ecological or justice work. 

PBT Question #2 to Ask about Any Secular Picture Book

Is there a sacred theme to the book? (such as Fruits of the Spirit, Light, Bread, Ritual, Creation, Courage, Righteousness, Ancestors, the Least…)

This is the easiest of the PBT questions to consider when approaching a picture book. 

Often the major and minor themes of picture books are concepts of social-emotional learning that we want children to know so books on these concepts are common. Fortunately for those who want to use picture books in ministry, those same concepts are also considered aspects of an abundant spiritual or religious life. 

If you’re using the "web version" format (you may have to select this on your phone), you will see a large list of purple search labels below. On this website, I consider topics that directly connect with scriptures found in the Old Testament (Hebrew) Scriptures and New Testament Scriptures.

 You'll find fiction and non-fiction books.

I've included classics from your childhood. 

And I especially enjoy telling you about the best new books and award-winning books.

Just click on a purple word below and be taken to all the picture books I’ve connected to that concept.

To demonstrate the abundance of themes that can be found in the PBT search list, here are 10 biblical themes and links to 10 featured PBT books that connect (1 each for the first 10 letters of the alphabet):

Adoption -  MissMaple’s Seeds

Brokenness - Koko’s Kitten 

Change - Fortunately     

Discovery - TheListening Walk

Enemies - EnemyPie   

Friendship - Bear and Bird   

Generosity -  If You Plant a Seed

Healing -  How to Heal a Broken Wing

Image of God - The Colors of Us

Justice - The Day the Crayons Quit

Darkness/Fear - The Dark

Community - Little Elliot, Big City

Goodness - Most People

Resurrection - 2 books about turtles

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PBT Redux #19 - Snowflake Bentley

We’ve had more snow than usual here in AL. After our last snow, I regretted not reminding you about this gorgeous book featured in PBT’s first year. I don’t dare wait for more snow here. It’s unlikely to come. Perhaps where you are it’s snowing, and you, like the man featured in this book, will marvel at God’s glory in the wondrous snowflake!

Picture Book: Snowflake Bentley

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Mary Azarian

Summary: In 19^th century Vermont, Wilson Bentley had a passion for snow. When he was given a microscope, Willie began looking at snowflakes and studying the ice crystals. He became fascinated and wished he could save them somehow to show others. He tried drawing their designs, but they always melted too quickly. Despite the high cost, at 17 Willie’s parents gave him a microscope with a camera. Painstakingly, Willie was able to successfully photograph the best examples of snowflakes and show them to others, sell them, or give them as gifts. 

Willie believed his knowledge was a gift to the world, but some neighbors and peers thought his work was a waste of time. Soon he began to understand the influences on and structure of snowflakes; then he realized that no two snowflakes are alike. Artists, designers, and professors began to be interested in his work. For 50 years, Willie shared his knowledge by giving presentations, and eventually, with financial support from scientists, created a book of his best photographs and acquired knowledge. Sadly, “Snowflake Bentley” died soon after the publication of this book, a book that is still read today. A monument and museum were eventually built in his memory.

Hanna’s Comments: I love the passion and perseverance of this individual! Wilson Bentley is a quiet hero of science who has truly given the world a beautiful gift. As faith communities nurture their children and youth, it behooves these communities to encourage the discovery of individual passions and explore ways in which each young person can benefit their world with ideas, skills, and enthusiasm. Willie’s faith in his vocation and the beauty and importance of his work, even though it was with a small and fleeting object, is inspiring. [Here] you'll find an 8-minute video about Wilson Bentley. You can easily find Bentley’s book on-line. It was reissued in 2000 and may be available in your local library. It would be a nice supplement to a lesson. You'll also find a few details and photos in the back of the book:

   

Original Publisher & Date: Houghton Mifflin, 1998

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: the charismatic passions of Elijah, John the Baptist, or Paul 

Idea(s) for Application: In addition to the other ideas that I’ve shared above, this book could be used as an exploration of our sacred individuality or the practice of contemplation.

PBT Redux #18 A Perfect Book for Epiphany

January 6 begins the Epiphany Season when the church considers The Magi’s journey. These were gentiles, thought by Jews to be outsiders, and yet Matthew, a Jew, tells this story. The Magi followed the bright star and worshiped the babe despite their alienation. They were drawn to do so by hope grounded in their life’s work and their personal imagination.

Today's repost is a beautiful, classic picture book that offers a similar journey by a child. She is human, an outsider to the forest. Like The Magi, she has a companion and together they embark on a dark journey for that which (and who) is beautiful and mysterious. 

The spiritual aspects of Owl Moon are likely obvious, but there are also many applications to today’s political and social contexts. We know of many aliens in many situations. And we are aliens ourselves sometimes. 

Read the story of The Magi to a group of children or adults. Then read this story and ask them simply to find connections between the 2 stories. You will be amazed by the conversation! One reason why this picture book works so well is its first person point of view. Listeners will step inside the story and be the child. In the discussion, be sure to ask about personal hopes going forward and what (who?) they hope to find in 2018.  

 

Picture Book: Owl Moon

Author: Jane Yolen

Illustrator: John Schoenherr

Summary: The narrator, a girl it seems, embarks on a family rite of passage. She and her Pa go owling. She tells us she knows just what to do and has been waiting for this time with her Pa for a long time. Owling involves a silent walk into the woods the night of an “owl moon.” The sounds, sights, and mystery of the forest are explored and felt by the reader as Pa imitates the great horned owl’s call and they anticipate a sighting. An owl does call back. Pa shines his light upon the creature before it flies away. Pa and narrator walk home in silence when silence is no longer necessary but seems the right response to something so beautiful and rare.     

Hanna’s Comments: This beautiful picture book celebrates the quiet love of a father and child as well as the possibilities of darkness and God’s nature. It also offers an example of what patience and a little bravery in a new environment might offer those willing to explore, even while holding the hand of one who is more mature. The narrator explains:

When you go owling, you don’t need words or warm or anything but hope.

This quiet adventure can be a metaphor for many spiritual and theological explorations. I can’t help but recommend to you of one of my favorite spiritual writers, Barbara Brown Taylor, and her recent book, Learning to Walk in the Dark.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Philomel, 1987

Age and Grade Appropriateness:  3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: Be still & know (Psalm 46:10), Treasures of Darkness (Isaiah 45:3), The journey of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12); The many times Jesus prays apart from the disciples

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book and ask about connections to the journey of The Magi. This book would also be a great start to an adult small group’s study of Barbara Brown Taylor’s Learning to Walk in the Dark.

PBT Techniques #4: Using the Whole Story

Picture Book: Beyond the Pond

Author & Illustrator: Joseph Kuefler

Summary: Ernest D. is bored and curious about the pond in his ordinary yard.

After realizing the pond is very deep or perhaps bottomless,

Ernest D. proclaims, “Oh, how exceptional!” a phrase he repeats for obvious reasons as the story unfolds exceptionally.

Ernest D. and his dog dive in. The dive begins with expected discoveries; then some surprises are within the darkest depths.  

Eventually, they see another shore – “the other side.” 

This fantastical place is “so tiny” 

and “so tall” and “every shape in between.” 

But it’s also “ghoulish and ghastly.”

And Ernest D. battles 

until “the moment between moonset and sunrise.”

Amazed that so much was hiding in an ordinary pond, Ernest D. and dog dive in again, through the dark,

back to his ordinary home which now doesn’t seem quite so small or ordinary.

Ernest D. now sees many extraordinary and exceptional places to explore at home. 

Hanna’s Comments: If you like Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, you’ll love this book! I see big themes of exploration, mystery, wonder, companionship, and of course praise for such an "exceptional" world - all theological ideas. 

Here’s the PBT Technique: Usually when I think about scripture connections to a featured book, I search for distinct Bible stories or a few inspirational verses. This is a traditional way to create content for spiritual experiences. Now and then a book’s story connects with the arc of a Bible character’s story, which is a different kind of connection, usually involving the character's personal attributes and life themes rather than plot details. This technique requires a little more study and a "big picture" orientation to scripture. 

Beyond the Pond connects generally with a large portion of Jacob's story in Genesis, particularly when he leaves home as a young man and returns many years later. If you don’t see those connections, let me know via a comment and I’ll gladly reply with more specifics for all to see. My Life Application Bible has a great profile of Jacob. You’ll easily find other summaries of Jacob’s life on-line.

Here are links to the other 3 posts in the PBT Techniques series. Let's call them secret treasures!

Sources for Inspiration: 9/19/16 

Choosing Portions: 10/17/16

Storytelling: 12/16/16 

Original Publisher & Date: Balzer & Bray, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Jacob’s journey to and from home (Genesis 27-33)

Idea(s) for Application: Connect the broad story of Jacob in Genesis after reading this book to a group of children, emphasizing the draw of mystery, the desire to explore, the constant presence of God (the dog companion), and the cycle of leaving and then returning. Additionally, you’ll find 3 quote graphics on Amazon that you might want to use in a lesson. These are simply posters with a sample of the art and a quote from the book that you can print or show on a screen.