Praying with Joan Mitchell’s "Sunflower III"

What if a painting of a sunflower could help you see God more clearly? Joan Mitchell’s Sunflower III does not give us a realistic image of a flower. Instead, it captures the energy, movement, and life of the sunflower itself. In this 100th episode of Art and Prayer, we explore how abstract art can open a different doorway to contemplation—one where we listen not only with our eyes, but with our whole being. Through the image of the sunflower turning toward the light, we are invited to consider our own lives: Are we turning toward God throughout our day? What might God be revealing within us as we pause, gaze, and listen? 🎨 ARTWORK Sunflower III Joan Mitchell (1969) Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. David K. Anderson, Martha Jackson Memorial Collection 🎵 MUSIC Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Anastasia Chubarova (Pixabay License) Golden Fields of Gratitude by CsikDani Summer Breeze Meditation by NaturesEye 🔔 Subscribe for new weekly episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgxB... Chapters: 00:00 Many artists love sunflowers 02:30 Becoming still before God 04:17 Gazing at the painting 06:17 Noticing color and motion 07:22 Letting God stir within 09:34 Clarifying what God gives 11:46 Scripture arising in prayer 13:55 Resting in divine glory 15:19 Carrying the encounter onward