Creative Prompt: Mark-making

creative prompts designed to help you slow down, listen inwardly, and connect with God through play, color, and curiosity

This week’s prompt is simple—but surprisingly powerful.
Make marks. That’s it.

Scribble. Doodle. Dot. Swipe. Smudge.
Use a pencil, a crayon, a paintbrush, a finger dipped in dirt. Let your body lead before your mind catches up. Try to fill a whole page.

Mark-making is a sacred yes. A quiet way of saying: “I’m here.” It’s not about skill—it’s about presence. Each line, swirl, or smudge becomes a prayer without words. It reminds us: the Kingdom of God is near, even in this tiny, messy mark.

You can fill a whole page with little scratches.
You can trace circles again and again.
You can make a mess—on purpose.

Questions for reflection:

• What did you think about when you were making marks?

• How did you feel while you were making different kinds of marks?

• Looking at the marks now, how do you feel about them?

You might light a candle, play quiet music, or go outside and make marks in sand, snow, or sidewalk chalk. You can use the attached sheet to give you a place to start. Or just sit with a piece of paper and give your body permission to move.

You don’t need to understand it. Just begin.

Kid-friendly option: Invite children to explore how different movements make different marks. Encourage storytelling through the marks: “This is a dragon’s breath!” or “These are sleepy stars.”

• What happens when you move fast?

• What if you press really gently?

• What if your crayon is a magic wand? Or your finger is a butterfly?
  
  

If you feel comfortable, I’d love to see what you create! When I share these prompts, I will always try to share what I create as well. You can tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below.