I have decided to start selling prayer cards. I have one which is already on sale, and a six further cards which will be on sale shortly.
Two of the cards feature pictures from my contemporary catholic art project, “He is Risen”. The rest are utilising scenes from nature.
I have been looking for ways to combine photography with my Catholic beliefs for some time, with this particularly the case with the, “He is Risen”, project. Due to this, it felt appropriate to make the first release utilise an image from this project.
This image, taken from a 5×7 film negative, was intitially secondary to a negative with almost the same image, but with a blue development mark down the side. Although I like that image immensely, I felt that the mark may in fact detract from the devotional aspect, particularly with relation to a prayer card. Hence, I selected the technically more perfect image.
Of course, the primary purpose of a prayer card is one of devotion, and so the text included is of paramount importance. For this card, the scripture reference chosen was Matthew 28: 5-7.
This then is inline with the image itself, referencing the moment the angel appeared to the women. Although this particular scripture reference does not name one of the women as Mary Magdalene, we know this to be true from the other scripture references.
For the prayer, I searched for something that was appropriate to the Resurrection (as I am a poor Catholic, still just trying to learn about the faith in more depth). This prayer, The Easter Prayer, by St Hippolytus of Rome, seemed to be perfect for the card. For myself, I find the prayer very invigorating in the Catholic sense. It is a prayer of victory!
I went on a similar path with the other cards I made. First looking at my images, trying to match with scripture, and then finding a prayer that was appropriate for that scripture. It has been a great process for me. Firstly, it has taught me the benefit of keeping prayer cards as meditation and contemplation items. It has also exposed me further to prayers and passages that I have not yet really spent much time with. It has also been good for humility, as I realise that many people have been using cards already, people more advanced and humble than me. On that note, one of the cards I have created contains the Litany of Humility, and I need to, and will be spending much time with that particular card I think.
So, in the interests of being open about this project: I am offering single cards in the beginning, delivered from Switzerland with me going to the post office. Once I have the logistics better worked out, I will offer them in batches for a cheaper price, which should open them up to people who wish to buy for a group or event. If you would like to buy for such a scenario now, then contact me via the website form, and I will try and get something sorted.
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