Watering Can Prayer
I can’t remember who said it but it was said in a recent podcast I listened to, that creativity stunted is harmful to our souls. Our souls long to be creative, to soar, to love, to bring others closer. My classroom is a place where creativity thrives. Daily, I give notes and teach a concept. Then I place the students into groups and they have to discuss the concept and put it into a presentation form of some style, skits, power point, music, etc. I always say be creative, use props, act silly, and extremely dramatic. There is always questioning at the beginning of the year but after the first test the students understand my reasoning. When the students are taking a test and can’t figure out a concept and ask for my assistance. I refer to a skit or presentation they gave and then it clicks. Students remember experiences that are enjoyable, funny, and dramatic. The more creativity they display the higher their grade (as long as they have conveyed an understanding of the concept).
I am constantly pushing my students to be more and more creative with their prayers. Last week one of my students created a beautiful prayer. She bought this watering can and cut out little water droplets. The sign on the watering can reads, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth” 1 Corinthians 3-6. The student talked about how we are taking part in God’s mission but God causes the growth. It was a prayer of praise and worship. We were each given a water drop to write a note of praise to God. I asked the student if she found the idea on pinterest. She said she created it. It made me so happy to think of her creativity. When we challenge our students most of them flourish. Cultivating an atmosphere and attitude of creativity is key to the process.
Today, try to find a way to be creative and let your soul open up and take flight.
