Recently I’ve been learning more about the ancient Japanese art of kintsugi. The word “kintsugi” means: “repair with gold”, and that’s exactly what it is. Broken ceramics are repaired with gold over time and often the result with the imperfections is considered even more precious than the original. There is beauty and power in something broken being made whole again.

Jesus is the master of kintsugi. He repairs broken things: broken hearts, broken souls, broken families, broken nations. He generously gives his people—us—the opportunity to witness the miraculous work of repair. We get to witness the restoration of people and Creation.

These days we see a lot of brokenness: hurt and hopelessness on campus, young people experiencing severe loneliness, churches falling to corruption and disunity. It can feel tempting to give up and accept that we are broken, but Jesus invites us to more. He invites us into the art of repair. He invites us to lead others into wholeness.

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” Thessalonians 5:23-24

What I love about this Scripture is the invitation into wholeness and blamelessness, with the reminder that this is not something we do on our own: Jesus is the artist behind our kintsugi. He is faithful. He will do it.

This year we are focusing on “undivided life,” leading and praying young people into whole-hearted following of Jesus. We do this through mentoring young people, building loving communities, and bringing the broken pieces of people, the campus, and ourselves to Jesus. The kintsugi of people starts in prayer. We intercede on behalf of others and with God, as the process of healing and wholeness is at play. We are starting this year off with a focus on prayer. Will you join us?

The Intercessor offers daily prayer requests for campus and camp needs across InterVarsity.

Karen has had years of experience as a campus staff worker and a spiritual director. She serves as the Associate Director of Spiritual Formation and Prayer. Her family lives in St. Catharines, ON.

Join a prayer team for your area. Reach out to us to get connected to the prayer team for the ministry in your area!

Do you need your own kintsugi? Where are the places you need repair? Do you trust that the end product will be even more beautiful? How can we pray for you? Let us know!