Coloring the Psalms: Seeing God's Patterns in Our Lives

by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

Enjoy the creativity and freedom of adding color to intricate patterns paired with brief spiritual practices adapted from Adele Ahlberg Calhoun's beloved resource Spiritual Disciplines Handbook . From the magnificence of the sun to the treasures of the deep, from the abundance of the meadows to the unique structure of a snowflake, this collection of delightfully detailed art illuminates the Psalms. Scripture provides inspiration and reflection for each of the beautiful designs in this imaginative coloring book. The art will draw you closer to God as you explore Scripture meditation, worship, breath prayer, practicing the presence of God, and more.

72 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2016

About the author

Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (MA, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) has worked in Christian ministry for over forty years, and she and her husband, Doug, currently work with Highrock Church in Arlington, Massachusetts. As certified Enneagram instructors, they enjoy resourcing spiritual leaders and pastors through spiritual direction and teaching the Enneagram. Adele is the author of Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Invitations from God and the coauthor of True You and Women & Identity.

Previously, Adele and her husband copastored Redeemer Community Church in Needham, Massachusetts, and she was formerly pastor of spiritual formation at Christ Church in Oak Brook, Illinois. A retreat speaker and trained spiritual director, she has taught courses at Wheaton College and Northern Seminary. In the early 1970s she helped pioneer student work with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. She has also worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in New England and Canada and with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students in the West Indies and South Africa.

Reviews

[Amanda Rogozinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy using coloring books as a devotional exercise. The calm consistency helps me focus my wandering mind. This book has given me ideas on how to take this to a whole new level. The book has one verse of a Psalm with each coloring sheet. It is divided into sections entitled “Meditation”, “Attentiveness”, “Prayer”, and “Worship”. In the meditation section Calhoun might have you pick one word from the verse that sticks with you and mull it over as you color, in the worship section she might have you choose a new topic for thanksgiving each time you pick a new shade to color with. Her practicality has been an invitation to freshness and intentionality in my devotions.
The illustrations are gorgeous as well. I enjoy the small spaces that build on one another, rather than wide open images. The animal and nature-scapes are a breath of fresh air.

[April Yamasaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't yet started coloring, but I've read through the devotionals that are divided into four sections: meditation, attentiveness, prayer, and worship. I know I'll enjoy going through the book more slowly--meditating on the psalms and coloring the pages they inspire.