The Grati-Dude Diaries: Right Brain Devos #1

Come as you are

May 28, 2025

Each Wednesday, we’ll slow down and engage with Scripture—not just through reading and reflection, but through creative practices like drawing, writing, and imagination.
At the center of this is the Grati-Square: a simple, visual expression of what’s stirring in your heart. You don’t need to be an artist. You just need to be honest.
I believe something powerful happens when we bring our whole selves to Scripture—not just our intellect, but our creativity, curiosity, and emotions.
Sometimes the right brain sees what the left brain misses.
Sometimes the act of drawing a square helps you uncover something the words alone couldn’t.
This isn’t a reading plan. It’s an invitation:
To show up with openness.
To explore the text deeply.
To meet God in the process.
Each week includes a passage of Scripture, a short reflection, a few reflection questions, and a Grati-Square prompt. The prompt is a suggestion—if God places something else on your heart, follow His leading.
And to spark even more creativity, I’ll include an optional prompt for imaginative engagement or AI interaction.
Most importantly—there are no rules.
Follow the prompts, adapt them, or make your own.

Come As You Are

Parable: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Scripture: Luke 18:9–14 (NLT)
Theme: Humility before God

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else:
“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’
I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
— Luke 18:9–14 (NLT)

✍️ Reflection

Most days, we may not even realize it. We slip into performance mode without thinking. With others. With ourselves. Even with God.

We present the polished version.

The strong version.

The “everything is fine” version.

It feels safer to show the highlight reel instead of the real thing.

The Pharisee did the same. He stood tall, listing off his accomplishments to God, as if he could win approval by looking impressive.

But the tax collector? He simply showed up.
No performance. No pretending.
Just an honest prayer from a broken heart.

Deep down, I know God desires honesty. Yet I still approach Him like a Pharisee.

I show up carrying my image instead of my heart.

But guess what?

He already sees the places we hide, the fears we bury, and the weaknesses we work so hard to cover up.
And yet, He still invites us closer.

The Pharisee’s pride built a wall.
The tax collector’s humility built a bridge.

Jesus flips the world’s wisdom upside down.

You do not have to perform to be loved.
You do not have to impress God to be welcomed.
You just have to show up honestly.
That is where grace meets you.

💬 Reflection Question

Where in your life are you tempted to show the polished version of yourself?
How would it feel to show up honestly with God today?

What’s a Grati-Square and Why Does it Work?

Start with a small square (this gives you boundaries and is less overwhelming than a blank page), and use the prompt to come up with an image, word, or doodle that represents something you learned from the passage. Don’t worry about the actual image, just enjoy the process of creating. I create a grid (pictured below) so I can see all of my squares together.

🎨 Grati-Square Prompt

Draw or write something that represents what you need to bring honestly before God today. It could be a fear, a hope, a confession, or a simple word of trust.

✨ Creative Prompt: Advice from the Parable

Jesus said only one man left the temple justified—and it wasn’t the one who listed his spiritual résumé.

Imagine you’re sitting with both men after the temple encounter. You ask them this question:

“After hearing what Jesus said in response to your prayers, what advice would you offer to me?”

Now pause.
Let them answer.

Write out their imagined response in your journal. Don’t worry about getting it right—just listen with your heart.
Let their words take shape as a letter, a quote, a dialogue, or even a single sentence that speaks to you.

What surprised you?
What comforted you?
What challenged you?

🤖 Optional AI Reflection

Want to explore the parable from a fresh angle?

Use the AI tool of your choice (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) and type:

“Imagine you are the tax collector from Luke 18:9–14. After hearing Jesus say that you were the one who went home justified, what would you say to encourage someone who feels unworthy to pray?”

Or, if you’re more curious about the Pharisee’s journey:

“Imagine you are the Pharisee from Luke 18:9–14. Now that you’ve heard Jesus’ words, what have you realized about your prayer—and what advice would you give to someone who struggles with pride?”

Let their responses surprise you. Reflect on what resonates, what challenges you, and what shifts in your heart as you listen.

Then return to God with whatever surfaced—whether it’s a confession, a prayer, or a Grati-Square.

📖 Next Week: The Rich Fool

I hope you enjoyed this week’s devotional. I suspect these will grow and evolve as the weeks pass.

If you have any feedback—or ideas for creative exercises—I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below.

The Grati-Dude Diaries