Today, the fourth Sunday of Easter, is Good Shepherd Sunday on the liturgical calendar. The gospel reading was the familiar words from John 10 (RSV):
11. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 14. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me. 

As I started to pray for some people today, the words from John’s Gospel reminded me of the lengths to which Jesus goes to protect and safeguard us.The repetitive curlicues around peoples’ names are like sheep’s wool. We are the sheep and the Good Shepherd loves and surrounds us.

Drawing the simple knotty curves helps me to focus. This is not artwork, but prayer work. A pen and markers in hand keep my eyes and hands busy while my mind and heart are engaged in the prayer.

P.S. My husband says this looks like a dessert tray rather than a bunch of sheep. So to reiterate: No artistic skill is necessary to pray in color.