In this post, I’m sharing how knitting reminds me of praying. Why? Because knitting is inconvenient–not following? That’s okay. Read on, and I’ll share my thought process along with some words from Scripture to encourage you.
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Since I’ve become an advanced beginning knitter, I’ve discovered something. Knitting is inconvenient.
I’ve made a mountain of dish cloths for gifts and for myself. I love ’em. But isn’t it more convenient to buy sponges or pretty striped dish cloths at the store?
I’ve made several throws (or as mom used to call them, afghans) which I love. But the cozy, fuzzy ones from Pottery Barn or even the big box stores are super cute, wildly warm, and perfectly perfect. Mine are flawed.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ripped out the stitches in my latest project. This is not efficient, this is not without trouble, this is not convenient. (If you’re a new knitter or even an experienced one, head on over to the Very Pink knitting videos. They are excellent.)
Yet I continue. I knit, purl, knit. Then I tink. (For non-knitters, that’s unknitting. Knit spelled backwards.)
I recently learned how to add a “lifeline” with contrasting yarn so if I make a really big mistake and can’t tink my way back, then I can unravel and unravel all the way up to the lifeline. That’s actually kind of fun, but it’s rather inconvenient. Lots of wasted time.
Is knitting really inconvenient?
Long-time knitters identify themselves as either process knitters or a project knitters. Process knitters love the act of knitting so much they don’t care if it’s slow or inefficient. Knit. Purl. Tink a bit. Knit some more.
Project knitters? They love the knitting, but they have a specific project to complete as well as a deadline — a birthday, holiday, or baby shower.
The inconveniences of making a mistake and having to tink or return to my lifeline? You see where I’m going with this. I’m okay with it all because it’s the act of moving those needles, touching the soft yarn, seeing the crazy twists and yarn-overs become something imperfectly lovely.
Yes, sometimes I get frustrated with my knitting inefficiencies. But I’m learning to take a deep breath and begin again.
It’s a lot like writing and dancing, gardening, chatting with a friend, and even praying.
How does knitting remind me of praying?
It’s not always about the final product, the result, the end. Instead, it’s often more about the process, the movement.
When I write, yes, I long for a finished product whether it’s a blog post, a letter, a devotion, a story, a novel. But more often, the beauty is in the act itself. Writing can be seriously inconvenient. It takes time, effort, thought.
Sometimes prayer and even our faith lives can seem inconvenient too, don’t you think? Christianity isn’t at all “convenient,” fitting well with our plans, our lives. (Oooo-weeee, we could chat about this for a long time, another time.)
Prayer especially seems to take so much time, effort, thought. And when I long for that quick answer from God whether it’s healing, wisdom, or a blessing? Sometimes I get what I desire. Sometimes not.
Yet I know it’s not all about the end product, the answer.
Here’s the thing. Always, when I pray, He hears. Even if it’s the “Have mercy!” prayer that comes from a deep place of pain. Even when it’s a simple and heartfelt “Thank you” or “Forgive me.”
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
1 John 5:14 (ESV)
Always, when I approach His throne of grace seeking forgiveness, I receive mercy.
Always, He loves, and I am blessed.
I’d say that’s the definition of convenient. Accessible. Always. Forever.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Do you see God as accessible, right here for you when you pray and seek Him? I’d love to hear your experiences. And let me know if you are a knitter! I’d love to connect.
This post was prompted by the word CONVENIENCE at Five Minute Friday where I join wonderful Christian writers to encourage each other. When you have time, check it out and you’ll find inspiring posts to read on the same topic.
If you’re interested in more reflections on prayer, you might like these posts:
