We know that life is busy, so we wanted to make it as easy as possible for you to creatively participate in the Drawing God Project during the season of LENT.
After reading the book, Drawing God, we hope that Emma’s contagious faith fills you with ideas and ways to share the vision of the God that lives inside your mind, heart and imagination. This season, we are offering this special Stations of the Cross Kit for our Drawing God Lenten activity.
When I was a child, I loved praying the Stations of the Cross with my mother. Looking back, it was something that the two of us did together, making it even more special. My mother would explain with great tenderness the love and suffering of Jesus in an unforgettable way. Because of that, praying the Stations of the Cross was always memorable rather than scary. I thought that sharing my mother’s gentle understanding of the stations, and coupling it with the Drawing God Project, would be a powerful way to continue growing in love for Jesus while growing our faith imagination this Lent. That way we can really see GOD by drawing GOD.
With you this Lent,
Karen Kiefer Author, Drawing God
STATION ONE: JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH
Jesus is sentenced to death and he is an innocent man. This station reminds us of the beginning of his suffering on his way to the crucifixion. We are reminded of the pain he would endure because of his love for us.
In the book, Drawing God, Emma tries to convince her friends that she has drawn God, yet they can’t see God in any of her drawings. How do you think Emma felt when her friends dismissed her drawings?
There are times in our lives when we are treated unfairly, even accused of something we didn’t do. Has that ever happened to you? How did that make you feel?
Have you ever had to suffer a punishment because no one believed that you were innocent? Have you ever tried to convince someone of something that you knew was the truth, but they wouldn’t listen or believe you?
How do you see GOD in this station? DRAW GOD.
Jesus is Condemned to Death
STATION TWO: JESUS CARRIES HIS CROSS
Jesus picks up the cross and begins to carry it to his eventual death in Calvary. The cross is so heavy. Jesus knows this will not be easy.
This station reminds us that everyone has a heavy cross to carry at different times in life. What feels heavy in your life?
Do you have a friend or family member that is carrying a heavy cross right now? How can you help them?
In the book, Drawing God, Emma feels frustrated when her friends can’t see God in her drawings. They even make fun of her. When she walks home from school that day, everything feels heavy. Have you ever had days like that?
How do you see GOD in this station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS CARRIES HIS CROSS
STATION THREE: JESUS FALLS FOR THE FIRST TIME
Jesus falls. The cross is so heavy and his body is tired. He has cuts and bruises and his head is crowned with sharp thorns. The soldiers struck him and he falls.
This station reminds us that we all fall down. Maybe it was an accident or the result of an actual fight. Maybe the fall came during a time when you felt defeated. Maybe you didn’t get something that you really wanted. How did you handle the disappointment? How did pick yourself back up?
In the book, Drawing God, Emma feels so defeated when her friend Peter can’t see God in any of her drawing of the sun. She knows God is light. She feels frustrated, but has the courage to draw God again. Where do you find your courage?
How do you see GOD in this station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS FALLS FOR THE FIRST TIME
STATION FOUR: JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER
Jesus is suffering and he sees his mother, Mary. A mother sees her Son in great pain, which is heartbreaking, but Jesus is comforted by his mother. Their embrace is filled with love, hope, and comfort because even in the greatest of pain we are all comforted by love.
This station reminds us of times in our lives when we suffer and feel loved by someone? Who comforts you? What do they say or do to make you feel better? How does their love help you heal?
In the book, Drawing God, Emma feels the love and comfort of her own mother when she draws God as a loaf of bread. The bread reminds her of the bread her mother bakes and her mother’s love. Emma says that the bread makes her feel warm and tingly inside. Her mother says the bread reminds her of God’s grace.
What reminds you of the love of your family or friends? Are their traditions, activities, or practices that make you feel loved inside and out?
How do you see God in this station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER
STATION FIVE: SIMON HELPS JESUS CARRY THE CROSS
Simon is making his way home from work when he is forced by soldiers to help Jesus carry the cross. At first he wants nothing to do with this, but as he walks with Jesus his heart is transformed. He realizes what a grace it is to help Jesus and accompany him to his death.
This station reminds us of how important it is to show kindness to others and how acts of love and kindness can draw us closer to God.
In the book, Drawing God, Emma has no one defending her or her drawings of God. It seems like no one wants to stand by her as she tries to convince her friends and classmates. How alone she must have felt in her journey. But then, she turns to God in prayer to ask for help. God walks with Emma.
When was the last time you felt alone? Did a friend, family member, or stranger help you carry your cross? Who do you turn to when you feel alone? How does their love help you see God?
How do you see God in this station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS CARRIES HIS CROSS
STATION SIX: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
Jesus’ friend Veronica tries to comfort him by wiping away the blood and sweat with her veil. She does not let herself be deterred by the the soldiers. After her act of compassion, she is left with the image of God on her veil. Jesus responds to her gentle gesture by blessing her with a lasting image of God’s love.
This station reminds us that through love, we see Jesus more fully because love gives us the gift to see God.
In the book, Drawing God, Emma decides to draw a gigantic red heart because she knows that God is love. Where do you see God in love? Think about the people, places or things that you love, where can you see God in those things?
How do you see GOD in this station? DRAW GOD.
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
STATION SEVEN:
Jesus Falls for the Second Time
Jesus falls again. It was hard to fall the first time, but falling again under the weight of the cross must have been so hard for Jesus.
This station reminds us that falling down again is a part of life. Even Jesus felt the pain and defeat that we can all feel.
In the book, Drawing God, Emma fails a second time as she tries to convince her friend to see God in her drawing of bread. She becomes more and more frustrated.
Can you think of a time when you failed at something twice in a row? What did that feel like? How did you pick yourself back up?
How do you see GOD in this station? DRAW GOD.
Jesus Falls for the Second Time
STATION EIGHT: JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
Jesus’ friends cry for the pain he is enduring but he stops and comforts them.
This station reminds us of the compassion and pain we feel when we see suffering. Even Jesus felt that pain.
In the book, Drawing God, God comforts Emma in prayer. God realizes she is suffering, so God answers her prayer by filling her with grace. Emma is filled with a sense of comfort and confidence that will not leave her side.
Where do you see suffering? How do you respond when you see it? How do you comfort others? How do you comfort yourself?
How do you see GOD in this station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
STATION NINE:
JESUS FALLS FOR THE THIRD TIME
Jesus falls one last time. His journey has been so long and hard and falling for the third time shows us just how weak he is near the end.
This station reminds us not to be afraid or discouraged in our weakness. Jesus knows how we feel.
In the book, Drawing God, Emma realizes after showing her friends her third drawing of God, a beautiful red heart, that there was a chance her friends would never see God in any of her drawings. She is sad. She is discouraged. She dosen’t know what to do next. She wants to give up, but something doesn’t let her.
Have you ever felt like that? Who helped you along the way? How did you get back up again?
How do you see God in this station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS FALLS FOR THE THIRD TIME
STATION TEN: JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS CLOTHES
After walking with the heavy cross, Jesus has to endure one last humiliation. The soldiers take away what’s left of his dignity by removing his cloak. His wounds are torn open once again. The crowd makes fun of him. Yet, he finds strength knowing he is wrapped in God’s love.
This station reminds us that we are never alone, even in your humiliation. God always provides.
In the book, Drawing God, Emma’s classmates make fun of her and her drawings. She feels lost and alone. But, like Jesus, she is wrapped in the love of God and comforted by prayer.
Have you ever felt the pain of embarrassment? How did you respond to that situation? Has prayer helped you feel wrapped in God’s love?
How do you see God in this station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS CLOTHES
NAILED
STATION ELEVEN: JESUS IS
TO THE CROSS
Jesus courageously continues to endure more pain and suffering as he is nailed to the cross for all to see. There are cries from the crowd, “He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross and we will believe in him.”
This station reminds us that life can be cruel. We can be beaten, humiliated and even silenced. But it is our faith, our belief in a loving God, that offers us hope for tomorrow.
In the book, Drawing God, Emma’s confidence is shaken and she feels like the whole school has turned against her. She turns to God for help. God fills her with a grace that would not leave her side. That gave her the courage to go back to school and face her classmates and stand up for herself and God.
It takes a lot of faith and courage to believe in God. Can you remember a time when you had to find the courage to stand up for something or someone, even if it was difficult?
How do you see GOD in this Station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
STATION TWELVE: JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
As he hangs on the cross, Jesus bravely forgives the soldiers and prays for his friends. Even now, he wants us to be able to live with God. Then, Jesus breathes his last breath. His mother and some of his friends watch his final moments, feeling helpless and afraid.
This station reminds us that death is a part of life. Jesus died, but gave death new meaning when he rose again on Easter. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus gave us new life.
In the book, Drawing God, Emma has no idea that her actions and drawings would get such a negative reaction from her friends. She feels helpless and sad. However, God used that situation to later inspire the whole school to draw God.
Have you experienced the death of a friend or family member? How did that death make you feel? How do you pray for all those who have died?
How do you see GOD in this Station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
STATION THIRTEEN:
JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
Jesus’ mother and his friends remove his body from the cross and hold him one last time. They say goodbye to Jesus and make preparations for his burial. They have no idea what will happen next.
This station reminds us about trust. It was hard for Jesus’ followers to trust that he would come back, like he promised. Even today, it can be difficult to trust God when we feel sad or alone.
In the book, Drawing God, Emma goes back to school, not knowing how her classmates would treat her. Even though she felt a comfort from God, she did not know exactly what would happen next.
How do you feel when you can’t see the road ahead? Do you trust that Jesus will continue to walk with you even when you can’t see him? What does God’s love look like to you?
How do you see GOD in this station? DRAW GOD.
JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
STATION FOURTEEN:
JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB
After his Passion, Jesus’ friends lay his lifeless body in the tomb. They feel hopeless and sorrowful. It seems like their relationship with him has ended. Yet, we know that this is not where the story ends. Three days later, his friends find an empty tomb and feel the hope of Jesus’ resurrection. They are challenged to see God differently.
This station reminds us that even when we experience Good Fridays in life, our Easters are just around the corner.
In the book, Drawing God, what Emma realizes in her drawing journey is that everyone sees God differently. She finds hope in this revelation. How do you see God? Does it change each day? How do your friends or family members see God?
