For the Creative Soul

Posted on by Michele Morin

I am a utilitarian knitter with mittens, dish cloths, and the occasional scarf as my only output, but even so, one of the things that is always in my sturdy, grab-and-go backpack is a pair of knitting needles holding my current knitting project.  It may go for months untouched, but I value any time that I get to spend on it.  Knit. Purl. Pray. by Lisa Bogart reminded me of all the reasons why.  In the steady rhythm of following a pattern there is space for quiet reflection, and Lisa comes alongside her readers to fill those moments with “a smile of recognition or a gentle conviction, but always a look toward heaven.”

Hard core knitters will delight in Lisa’s references to specific stitches and knitting terminology.  “He takes things away (K2tog), and He gives blessings (yarnovers).”  However, anyone who is devoted to an artistic pursuit in the context of believingly following Jesus Christ will benefit from her thoughts on focus, on prayer, on obedience and trust, as well as the scriptural basis for her insights.

I especially appreciated the sense of awe Lisa’s devotionals inspire in considering the elegant dance of eye-hand coordination and muscle memory that goes into every knitted garment and that trumpets the miracle of God’s “knitting us together” so “fearfully and wonderfully.”  It goes without saying that Knit. Purl. Pray should be a supplement to daily time reading in the Scriptures, and, then, each of the fifty-two readings ends with a prayer that stitches in place that day’s devotional thought.

Years ago I received a hand-knitted sweater made by a dear friend, and I have always enjoyed wearing it — not only because it is a thing of great beauty and warmth, but also because, although we rarely see each other now, through that sweater I have felt connected to my friend.  Reading Lisa’s words, I know why:  “There is no doubt of the love behind the needles.  I feel prayer is probably the most important part of the sweater.  [As I knit], I wrap my loved one in prayer all year long.”

Every stitch wrapped in prayer.

Every prayer wrapped in love.

I can’t think of a better reason for knitting!

Early Christmas shopping tip:  Knit. Purl. Pray along with the yarn and appropriate needles required to complete the two patterns included in the book would be a very thoughtful and unique gift for the crafters in your life!

This book was provided by Worthy Publishing in exchange for my review.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Subscribe to get regular Bible studies and book reviews from Living Our Days delivered to your inbox.  Just enter your e-mail address in the box at the top of this page.

I link-up with these communities on a regular basis:   Looking Up,   Soli Deo Gloria Connections, Inspire Me Mondays, Good Morning Mondays, Soul Survival, Testimony Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesday, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Live Free Thursdays, Faith-Filled Fridays, Grace and Truth, Fellowship Friday, Still Saturday, The Weekend Brew, Sunday Stillness, Faith and Fellowship, Blessing Counters, Women with Intention, Sharing His Beauty, Monday Musings, Motivate and Rejuvenate Monday, Thought Provoking Thursday, Small Wonder, A Little R & R, Beloved Brews, SusanBMead, Faith Along the Way, Cozy Reading Spot, Reflect, Literacy Musing Mondays, Purposeful Faith, The Loft, Words with Winter, Rich Faith Rising, Encourage Me Monday, Tuesday Talk, What to Read Wednesday, Booknificent Thursday

Published by Michele Morin

Michele Morin is a Bible teacher, writer, reader, and gardener committed to the truth that women can become confident Christ-followers and students of God's Word. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty-plus years, and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-love, and six adorable grandchildren. Michele loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” She blogs at Living Our Days, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

27 thoughts on “For the Creative Soul”

  1. Michele,
    I am not a knitter…in fact, I tried and was a dismal failure. This devotional, however, would make a perfect gift for my friends who do knit. There is a certain cadence in the beauty of knitting that can be a worship offering to God. No matter what we are doing…we can offer up praise and worship while we do it. So glad to be stopping by…
    Blessings,
    Bev

    Like

  5. Knitting is so wonderfully contemplative and lyrical. It’s the cadence that I find most appealing, while in the “zone”. And at the same time my mind is brightened by the play of color and pattern.

    I’ll look for this book.
    Thanx!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I used to knit, but it’s been years ago. I’m not sure I’d even remember. But I love that knitting has made a comeback, and even more so for those who knit and pray. Thanks for sharing this resource, Michele.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I’m a sometimes knitter who doesn’t really know much–but the book sounds delightful! I do enjoy knitting and cross-stitch and quilting–but I just realized that I’ve let messing around on my iPhone steal the time I used to use for those creative pursuits. Hmm…thanks for making me think!

    Like

  9. I am not a knitter myself, but I had a grandmother who knitted all the time. I remember being fascinated as her hands rapidly and deftly maneuvered the yarn and needles. She often did it while watching TV! How could she do two things at once, I used to wonder.

    I loved how you mentioned God knitting us together. The parallels are so insightful. And yes, even now, He continues to weave the great tapestry that is His story in our lives, and in the world.

    GOD BLESS!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. I had a sweet blog friend who knitted me a scarf with the primary colors of all my daughters’ soccer teams. We’ve never met, but it feels as if we have, because of this gift. It came from her hands.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Beautiful review, Michele! I can crochet a little, but I can’t knit at all. Reading your review makes me want to learn. Thanks so much for sharing! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! GOD bless you, Love! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Even before your tip at the end, I had a person in mind to give this book to for Christmas! I wonder if I can get it here to Malaysia in time! Off to check out Book Depository! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday this week!
    Tina

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.