Prayer 9

Prayer 9: the magnum opus..

2013, oiled walnut, 8'w x 16' tall in six sections
Main entrance, Zion Lutheran Church
Anoka MN

It started like this--sketches in the program of an

NLC concert, probably while I was supposed to be singing. Sometimes when you get an idea, you've got to get it on paper before it disappears. Which I did.

During the first phase of the Sanctuary Renewal project at Zion Lutheran in Anoka, there was some discussion with the architects about a large panel to be installed at the main entrance. Rather than simply a flat oak panel, I suggested that it might be a good place for 'architectural art', and this is what transpired.

During a brainstorming session with pastoral staff, we realized that the selection of text was critical--it had to be powerful, unusual, timeless--something that you couldn't simply pass by because you already knew it. This was the consensus: Prayer 9, from the Lutheran Book of Worship. It has roots in ancient sources but also current forms (such as "..within each cell.." Not something first century Christians would have mentioned.)

Here's the layout that I ended up using. It's divided into four quatrains, four verses.. and I used three small symbols to divide the verses-- the stars/water, the wheat/bread of life, and the dancing children. With great pleasure, I have more than once watched Zion children tracing the letters with their fingers and touching the dancing children, which are purposely placed right at their height as they enter or exit the church.

Engineering was rather difficult. This shows the six walnut panels with custom joinery, and then the entire piece was lifted with a hydraulic lift and rested on a steel bar shelf. It weighs 700-800 pounds.. It's easily the largest scale design I've completed, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.

Some detail of the lettering, each of which is about 4" high and accented with gold paint. It's done in a font that I call 'modified Bremen,' taken from an original font and then changed for visibility and style.

Finished installation of Prayer 9.

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