I just love this! Sophie has applied her undeniable talents to provide something that is as spiritually edifying as it is whimsical and fun. It’s a joyfully imaginative means of deepening our love for God and I am sure there will be many who will be immensely grateful for it! -- Mark Meynell (senior associate pastor, All Soul’s Langham Place, author of Cross Examined and Quarentia blog)
For far too long, the idea of drawing during a church service has been associated with boredom, distraction, and even irreverence. Sophie Killingley's wonderful new book is a canvas that reframes these flawed assumptions. Drawing is actually thinking, but also, visualized worship. Draw Near is a fun and beautiful way to explore the power of drawing and journaling to cement new ideas, worship, and ruminate upon God and his Word. -- John Hendrix (Author/illustrator of Miracle Man: The Story of Jesus)
What a brilliant idea! We all need help to ‘let the message of Christ dwell in us richly’ and Sophie’s super resource will be just what many of us creative types long for. The prompts to record what we are learning from God’s word will serve me well, especially on those days when devotions are more of a battleground. God is a perfect designer and he has made us in his creative image, so I will feel no shame in colouring in! Pass me the pencils please… -- Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries, FIEC UK)
This is a delightful book for those who want a deeper, creative engagement with the Bible. Artists sometimes say that they think with their pen or brush. What they mean is that their deeper thoughts and feelings surface as they are expressed creatively. In Draw Near Sophie Killingley invites us into a space where we can do the same—wrestling with our hearts as they encounter God's word, and seeing muddy waters clear as we write and draw our responses on a page. If your Bible reading has gotten dry (or even if it has dried up altogether and needs a reset), this book is for you. -- Ted Turnau (Author of Popologetics: Popular Culture in Christian Perspective)
In Draw Near, Sophie Killingley draws on popular bullet journaling techniques to give us a book that will help us draw near to God as we engage our God-given creativity. Habit-trackers come filled with reminders of God’s grace, monthly verses have creative prompts, and each weekly spread includes space for sermon notes as well as daily devotions. It is peppered throughout with helpful tips for prayer and Bible reading. Ideal for new Bible readers, and a delight for those of us who have been at it a while! I can’t wait to get out my coloured pens and washi tape and start filling it in. -- Ros Clarke (Associate Director, Church Society)
For those, like me, with chronic monkey-mind, a "quiet time" is like asking a toddler full of Skittles to sit serenely. But with a pencil in hand, and stimulating questions to prompt us, time with the Lord can be engaged, personal and profoundly thought-provoking. With this book Sophie Killingley has done us all a great favour, helping us to slow down, dig deep and meditate richly on the word of life. -- Glen Scrivener (Evangelist and blogger)
Draw Near is the Bible journaler I've been looking for. It allows my creativity to flow, but focuses it into God's word rather than the 101 distractions around me... and it's just beautiful. A must-buy for every fidgety Bible reader! -- Graham Miller (Chief Executive, London City Mission)
Sophie Killingley understands that we are not just thinkers but makers. Draw Near is a winsome combination of biblical meditation, creative encouragement and reflective space. It's a Bible devotional like no other—and not just for artists but everyone made creative in God’s image. So that’s everyone. -- Alastair Gordon (Artist; Author, Why Art Matters)
Are you looking for a way to draw near to God in a world full of distractions from within and without? Draw Near shows a route to deeper engagement with Scripture and provides beautifully creative ways to meditate and slow down with the Lord. I love Sophie's thoughtful prompts and the encouragement to include my reflections on Sunday sermons alongside those on my daily Bible readings. Just tracking down a suitable set of coloured pencils and I'll be all ready. -- Amanda Robbie (Blogger and author of 'Ministry of a Messy House')
