Introduction
St Francis saw the whole world as a family. The sun was his brother. The moon was his sister. Water, fire, wind, earth, flowers, animals, and people were all connected through the love of God.
The Canticle of the Creatures is one of the oldest and most beautiful poems in the Christian tradition. It invites us to look at the world with wonder, gratitude, humility, and joy.
This colouring template is not simply a picture to complete. It is an invitation to slow down, pray, notice, and rediscover your relationship with creation.
You can download the template here
Take your time.
There is no right or wrong way to do this.
Allow the colours, shapes, memories, and reflections that arise to become part of your prayer.
Preparing Yourself
Before you begin, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably.
You may wish to:
- Light a candle.
- Play gentle instrumental music.
- Sit near a window or outside in a garden or natural setting.
- Place a leaf, flower, shell, stone, or other natural object nearby.
Take a few slow breaths.
Become aware of the ground beneath your feet.
Notice the gift of life around you.
Pray:
Creator God,
open my eyes to the beauty of your world.
Open my heart to wonder.
Open my hands to care for all that you have made.
Amen.
Colouring as Prayer
As you begin to colour the image, move slowly.
There is no need to rush.
Allow each section of the picture to draw your attention.
As you colour, reflect on these questions:
Brother Sun
- What brings warmth, energy, and life into my world?
Sister Moon and the Stars
- Where do I find light during times of darkness?
Brother Wind
- What changes am I being invited to embrace?
Sister Water
- What refreshes and renews my spirit?
Brother Fire
- What gives me courage, passion, and hope?
Sister Mother Earth
- What gifts do I receive each day from the earth?
Fruits, Flowers and Herbs
- What beauty have I overlooked?
Pause occasionally.
Sit quietly.
Give thanks.
Allow memories and feelings to surface naturally.
A Guided Meditation
As you colour, imagine yourself walking with Francis through creation.
You feel the warmth of the sun upon your face.
You notice the changing sky above you.
A gentle breeze touches your skin.
You hear birds singing.
You watch water flowing over stones.
You smell flowers growing in the fields.
You feel the earth beneath your feet.
Nothing is hurried.
Nothing is wasted.
Everything belongs.
Everything is connected.
Everything sings God’s praise.
Wonderings
- As you continue colouring, ask yourself:
- What is creation teaching me today?
- What am I being invited to cherish, protect, or celebrate?
Remain in silence for a few moments.
My Canticle Journey
When you have finished colouring, take a fresh sheet of paper.( or use My Canticle of Creation template);
Draw your own journey through the Canticle.
It does not need to be artistic.
You might draw:
- A path or footprint through nature.
- Symbols that speak to you.
- Places where you encounter God.
- Creatures, plants, rivers, skies, or landscapes you love.
- Moments when you felt wonder, gratitude, healing, or belonging.
Allow your drawing to tell the story of your relationship with creation.
Writing Your Own Prayer of Thanks
When your drawing is complete, write a short prayer.
You may wish to begin:
Praised be you, my Lord…
or
Thank you, Creator God…
Include:
- Something beautiful you noticed.
- Something you are grateful for.
- Something you want to protect.
- A hope for the future of creation.
You might finish with:
May I walk gently upon the earth, live gratefully among all creatures, and join the song of praise that rises from all creation. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Through Brother Sun,
Sister Moon,
Brother Wind,
Sister Water,
Brother Fire,
Sister Mother Earth,
and all living things,
teach us to see the world with the eyes of wonder.
May we receive creation with gratitude,
care for it with tenderness,
and celebrate it with joy.
May our lives become a song of praise,
joining the great Canticle of all creation.
Amen.
