18th - 24th May 2026
This week I had the joy of being part of the first Vessels Conference at Glenabbey. This one-day conference was an opportunity to explore our calling as image bearers to create and appreciate beauty and to reflect on how our Creator God shares His creative nature with us.
One of the seminar speakers was artist and sculptor Ross Wilson, who considered the life, work and faith of C. S. Lewis using the remarkable story of Lewis's 1961 reply to ten-year-old Anne Waller — the Grace Exchange Letter — and how this was an inspiration for his own creative work, including his sculpture The Searcher which is located in East Belfast.
This simple and unassuming exchange between a young child and C. S. Lewis involved two hand written letters, one from young Anne asking about the "meaning behind" Aslan dying in the Narnia story, and the second from C. S. Lewis's reply explaining that this "deeper meaning" was about Lewis exploring the question "supposing there really was a world like Narnia and supposing it had (like our world) gone wrong and supposing Christ wanted to go into that world and save it (as he did ours) what might have happened?"
In the seminar, Ross Wilson traced the thread of God-given creativity and grace through Lewis's storytelling and imagination, through the skill of letter writing, through the physical act of creating a sculpture and the work taken for this to be established as a part of the community in East Belfast. At every point of this creative journey, Christians were using their artistic gifts to celebrate and communicate the story of salvation.
As we pray this week, let's consider God as Creator and we as His image bearers, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us in how to respond to this call.
Written by Caroline Johnston
MONDAY
God, the Ultimate Creator
Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
The universe, in all its vastness and complexity, points to a Creator of infinite wisdom and beauty. Everything we see—mountains, rivers, stars—is a reflection of His imagination. God’s creativity is intentional, ordered and filled with beauty. As we begin this week, we are invited to marvel at the One who paints the skies and shapes the seas.
Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to see Your creation with wonder. Help me recognize Your hand in all things and to praise You for the beautiful world You have made. May I lift my eyes to notice the world around me and understand something of Your nature in everything I see.
TUESDAY
Made in God’s Image
Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Being made in God’s image is not just about likeness—it is about reflection. We are made to reflect God’s character, creativity and love. Our thoughts, actions and expressions have the potential to mirror His glory. Every act of kindness, piece of art, or music we create can echo the divine artistry of our Creator.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, remind me today that I am Your image bearer. Help me reflect Your goodness, creativity and love in all I do. May I be reminded that I am a masterpiece created by a loving God who takes great pleasure in the things He has made, and may this truth inspire me to praise.
WEDNESDAY
Creativity as Divine Gift
Exodus 35:31-32 – “And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge, and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze.”
God equips each of us with unique gifts to express creativity. When we paint, write, sing, or innovate, we are participating in the divine act of creation. Creativity is not just for artists—it’s a God-given ability to see beauty, solve problems and inspire others.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the creativity You have placed in me. Teach me to use it wisely, for Your glory and the good of others.
THURSDAY
Beauty in God’s World
Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Every flower, sunset and starry sky whispers God’s beauty. Our ability to appreciate aesthetics—colour, rhythm, harmony—is a reflection of our Creator’s own delight in beauty. By noticing beauty, we draw closer to God and gain a deeper gratitude for His creation.
Prayer:
Creator God, open my eyes to see Your beauty in the world around me. Help me to celebrate it and give You glory in all I behold.
FRIDAY
Co-Creators with God
Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
Just like He did with Adam and Eve, God invites us to participate in His creative work. Caring for the earth, nurturing relationships and building communities are all acts of co-creation. We are partners with God in shaping the world, reflecting His love and wisdom through our actions.
Prayer:
Lord, help me embrace the responsibility and joy of being a co-creator. May my work and care for the world honour You.
SATURDAY
Creativity Reflects God’s Glory
Psalm 104:24 – “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
Every act of creation, whether by God or inspired by Him through us, points back to His glory. Our creative expressions—writing, art, music, or problem-solving—can lift hearts and point others to God. Creativity is a sacred reflection of His limitless imagination.
Prayer:
Father, let my creativity glorify You. Use my hands, mind and heart to reflect Your infinite wisdom and beauty.
SUNDAY
Living as God’s Masterpiece
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
You are God’s masterpiece. Your life, your gifts and your creativity are intentional and meaningful. Embracing who we are as His creation allows us to live fully, act creatively and walk in purpose. Every day is an opportunity to glorify God through who we are and what we create.
Prayer:
Lord, remind me that I am Your masterpiece. Help me live creatively, intentionally and faithfully for Your glory each day.