Praying with Mandalas

A Colorful, Contemplative Practice

   Watch Promo

Coloring books aren't just for kids anymore. In recent years, adult coloring books have become popular as many grownups have discovered that coloring can quiet their thoughts and reduce anxiety.

Sharon Seyfarth Garner found that coloring offered her a new way to pray. She felt especially drawn to mandalas' beautiful circular designs containing geometric patterns. Contemplative coloring is a simple, enjoyable, and tangible way for adults to "be with God on purpose," as Garner defines prayer. Praying with Mandalas blends the relaxing practice of coloring with the ancient spiritual practices of lectio divina (savoring the words of scripture), intercessory prayer, centering prayer, and Examen (seeing God in the events of our daily lives). This coloring book guides adults through a heartfelt, tangible experience of prayer, helping them create a visual prayer journal.

Our eCourse includes:

  • All essential content from Sharon Seyfarth Garner's book, Praying with Mandalas. (except printed versions of the Mandalas templates—you'll need a printer!)
  • Video introductions to each chapter with Sharon Seyfarth Garner.
  • Plenty of opportunities to color beautiful mandalas.
  • Music composed specially to accompany your coloring experience.
  • Audio recordings of prayers for each contemplative practice.
  • Questions for personal reflection.
  • A place to exchange comments with others.
  • Templates of all prayer mandalas. (You will need to download and print these.)

You'll want to have a set of coloring pencils on hand for this eCourse too!


To purchase a print version of Praying with Mandalas, visit The Upper Room online store.

Interested in online learning options based on your favorite Upper Room books? Look for this graphic and click it to learn more as you explore The Upper Room online store.



Your Instructor


Sharon Seyfarth Garner
Sharon Seyfarth Garner

Rev. Sharon Seyfarth Garner, Director & Founder of Belly of the Whale Spiritual Direction & Retreat Ministries LLC, has fully embraced the ministry of spiritual direction as a personal joy and a professional calling. She is dedicated to meeting others wherever they are on their journey of faith and partnering with them toward a deeper, more meaningful, and revitalized spiritual life. Sharon finds the practice of sacred silence to be especially meaningful and enjoys sharing this spiritual practice with others.

Sharon is a pastor, spiritual director and retreat leader. She was ordained by the United Methodist Church in 1995 and is ecclesiastically endorsed for the specialized ministry of spiritual direction. She has graduate certificates in Spiritual Direction (Ignatian Spirituality Institute of John Carroll University), Diversity Management (Cleveland State University), and Ecumenical Studies (World Council of Churches). Sharon is a member of Spiritual Directors International and the Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders.

Sharon enjoys being with her family, playing cards with friends, backpacking, singing loudly, making pottery, and taking walks with her husband and dog, Bear.


Course Content


  Introduction
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Ten Tips for Contemplative Coloring
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the eCourse start and finish?
The eCourse starts when you are ready to begin and will remain open indefinitely. It’s self-paced, so you can decide when to start and when to finish.
How long do I have access to the eCourse?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this eCourse for as long as you like—across any and all devices you own. We’ll give you plenty of notice should we need to close the eCourse.
What if I am unhappy with the eCourse?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us within the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
Who sponsors these eCourses?
This eCourse is brought to you by The Upper Room.

Get started now!