Sharon Seyfarth Garner

Praying with Jonah

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:29:01 GMT

In a world of cacophony and chaos, how do we live into a faith that is both deeply contemplative and courageously responsive?

When spiritual director Sharon Seyfarth Garner began forgetting small but important details — appointments, family milestones, even a pot of boiling water left on the stove — she feared the worst and turned to her doctor for answers. After the tests revealed no physical cause for her forgetfulness, she was forced to acknowledge a spiritual truth: the very wisdom she offered others was the wisdom she herself needed most — to slow down and listen for God again.

Praying with Jonah: Practices for Imperfect Pilgrims is a gentle yet compelling invitation to rediscover God's sacred rhythms — stillness and boldness, being and doing, contemplation and action — woven into the messy magnificence of everyday life.

With the reluctant yet relatable prophet Jonah as our fellow pilgrim, Seyfarth Garner invites us to wonder together what it means to be still enough to know and bold enough to go wherever God is calling. Along the way, readers are guided into creative prayer practices — contemplative coloring, poetry, journaling, movement, reflection questions, and more — designed to help us wake up, pray honestly, act boldly, and love extravagantly.

Each chapter includes:

Reflections on Jonah's journey
Creative and engaging prayer practices for a deeper dive into meaningful spiritual rhythms
Whale Spout journal prompts with questions for individual or group reflection based on the themes of the chapter
A blessing and guidance for creating your own pilgrim's prayer journal

Perfect for personal devotions, small groups, sermon series, or retreats, Praying with Jonah offers a hopeful way forward in tumultuous times.

Come just as you are and discover how to thrive in the belly of the whale and beyond.

Praying with Jonah

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:19:40 GMT

Available July 2026; Preorder Now!

In a world of cacophony and chaos, how do we live into a faith that is both deeply contemplative and courageously responsive?

Each chapter includes:

Reflections on Jonah's journey
Creative and engaging prayer practices for a deeper dive into meaningful spiritual rhythms
Whale Spout journal prompts with questions for individual or group reflection based on the themes of the chapter
A blessing and guidance for creating your own pilgrim's prayer journal

Perfect for personal devotions, small groups, sermon series, or retreats, Praying with Jonah offers a hopeful way forward in tumultuous times.

Come just as you are and discover how to thrive in the belly of the whale and beyond.

Orar con mandalas

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:38:06 GMT

¿Alguna vez ha pensado en colorear como una forma de orar? Tome sus lápices de colores o crayones y descubra una manera creativa de calmarse y enfocarse en Dios.

Sharon Seyfarth Garner invita a los adultos y jóvenes a colorear mandalas como una forma sencilla, placentera y tangible de «estar con Dios de manera intencional». Orar con mandalas combina la práctica relajante y contemplativa de colorear con estas prácticas espirituales antiguas:

Lectio divina (lectura meditativa de las Escrituras)
Oración de intercesión
Oración de consagración
Examen (revisión de los eventos del día para reconocer dónde estuvo presente Dios)

Este libro para colorear lo guía a través de experiencias de oración prácticas y desde el corazón. Disfrute de esta práctica colorida y contemplativa de orar con mandalas.

CARACTERÍSTICAS

10 páginas con 4 diseños de mandalas en blanco (40 mandalas)
Información sobre el uso de mandalas en la tradición cristiana
Consejos para orar con mandalas
Explicaciones sencillas sobre los mandalas y 4 prácticas espirituales
Puede ser utilizado por individuos o grupos en diversos contextos: retiros, hospitales, residencias de cuidado de ancianos, prisiones, ministerios universitarios, momentos devocionales en familia y más

Praying with Mandalas

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:41:59 GMT

Have you ever thought of coloring as a way to pray? Pick up your colored pencils or crayons and discover a creative way to slow down and focus on God.

Sharon Seyfarth Garner invites adults to color mandalas as an easy, enjoyable, and tangible way to "be with God on purpose." Praying with Mandalas blends the relaxing and contemplative practice of coloring with these ancient spiritual practices:

Lectio divina (meditative reading of scripture)
Intercessory prayer
Centering prayer
Examen (reviewing the day's events to see where God was present)

This coloring book guides you through heartfelt, hands-on experiences of prayer. Delight in the colorful, contemplative practice of praying with mandalas.

FEATURES

10 pages of 4 blank mandala designs (40 mandalas)
Information on the use of mandalas in Christian tradition
Tips for praying with mandalas
Simple explanations of mandalas and 4 spiritual practices
Can be used with individuals or groups in diverse settings: retreats, hospitals, elder care residences, prisons, campus ministries, family devotions, and more

Mandalas, Candles, and Prayer

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:16:17 GMT

Slow down, simplify, and add a burst of color to your Advent. The spiritual practice of coloring mandalas (circular designs), lighting candles, and praying regularly can help us stay centered on God during this busy time of year.

Based on the 4 candles of the Advent wreath, this coloring book for adults weaves together the popular practice of coloring with 4 simple methods of contemplative prayer. This is more than just a coloring book for adults—it is also a visual prayer journal.

Each chapter includes a short vignette, an explanation of the weekly theme and prayer method, a simple candle-lighting liturgy, 7 mandalas for each week of contemplative coloring, and a closing prayer of illumination.

Let the candles light the way and calm your spirit. Color and pray. And you will experience the most meaningful gift of all—a peace that passes all understanding as you journey prayerfully toward the manger.