Prayer for Reclamation
“I want to reclaim my imagination for you, Lord!
Imagination sets us apart from the animal kingdom; it’s what makes us human!
I mourn the damage that has been done here; the brokenness.
That the enemy has taken ground here and turned vivid illumination into dull, grey, vagueness of doubts and fears.
I want to dream bigger, Lord, like a child;
Only now, with a mature faith to believe it!”
Why This Prayer?
This prayer came from a time in my life a few years ago when I was in an artistic desert. I was a painter, but hadn’t picked up my paintbrushes in years. I was a singer but hadn’t put on worship music at home in months. I was a writer but too scared to start to fiction work that tossed around in my heart. Somehow my vibrant, colorful, whimsical inner life was muted.
Even my home was a reflection of such regression. My kids had outgrown their brightly colored toys; no longer did bold wood blocks and whimsical fortresses fill every room. My home turned white, black and grey like everyone else’s. Home became a reflection of my heart and mind, empty of authenticity, empty of adventure, empty of life!How I longed to be like a child again, drawn to mystery and wild wonder. Capable of turning any scenario into a quest for glory; able to get lost in story: body, mind and soul.
Where It Brought Me
Today, I sit typing in richly warm, brown, leather chairs in my dark green living room, surrounded by art and disheveled piles of books and tucked in every corner are things that stir the imagination. A old crock holds bows and arrows, hiking sticks sticks and a cap gun rifle. A table left open for art sits beside a craft cart loaded with glue, paints, brushes, markers and paper. A curio cabinet displays a a ramshackle assortment of cool rocks, old books, souvenirs and interesting things. Memories and artwork litter the walls and open spaces on shelves and table tops. Nothing is beige.
My home is starting to reflect me and my family. I started to let go of what is “normal” and embrace what is beautiful; what is “us”. Likewise, in my heart and mind, I’ve dropped the fear (through prayer and the Lord’s encouragement) and started moving toward personal freedom and honesty in my creative work. It’s not been a quick conversion but there’s movement forward. And the reward is plentiful!
If you feel too “adult” and long for your more childlike creative self, pray for it! See Him do it in your life!