prayer crafts: bookmarks
Prayer Crafts, where we make something, and it means something.
For this prayer craft, we’re making a simple bookshelf bookmark, a bookmark that can remind us to pay attention every time we open a book.
Start by coloring a whole bunch of rectangles. I used markers, but you could use paint, colored pencils, crayons, or whatever you have nearby. Don’t worry about making them look like books yet. Just play with color.
As you color, hold this question quietly:
Where have I been noticing God lately?
Maybe God has felt present in something beautiful, a conversation, a moment of rest, or something that made you laugh. You don’t have to come up with a profound answer. Just notice what comes to mind.
When you’re finished coloring, cut out your rectangles and choose some favorites. Arrange them on a darker strip of paper like books on a shelf. Turn a few sideways to make little stacks. Glue everything down, and add any extra details you’d like. I added a tiny cactus sticker and used a pen to give some of my rectangles little book details.
Then tuck your finished bookmark into whatever you’re reading.
Each time you see it, let it become a tiny invitation to ask again:
Where am I noticing God?
Maybe it will be in the words you’re reading. Maybe in the room around you. Maybe in something that happened earlier that day. Or maybe you’ll simply sit quietly for a moment and notice what God brings to mind.
Sometimes making space for God can be as small as remembering to pay attention.
prayer crafts: tiny booklets
Prayer Crafts, where we make something, and it means something.
I've been dreaming for a while about creating a series of simple prayer crafts, small, hands-on activities that give us something to do with our hands while making space for God.
This first one is wonderfully simple. As we fold a single sheet of paper into a tiny booklet, we'll slowly fill its pages with things that are true about ourselves. Not our accomplishments or failures, not the stories we tell ourselves on hard days, but the deeper truths that God speaks over us. Sometimes the act of making something small and quiet is enough to help us notice what has been true all along. You can view the video here.
Start with a plain sheet of paper and spend a few minutes making it your own. I used colored pencils and simply scribbled soft layers of color across the page. There isn't a right way to do this, just let your hands move while your mind begins to settle.
As you color and fold, begin to think about what you know to be true about yourself, even if those truths are sometimes hard to remember. You don't have to have the words yet. Just let them gently come to mind.
Next, fold the paper in half four times until you have a grid of 16 small rectangles.
Now it's time to cut. Make three cuts, stopping before you cut all the way through the paper. When you're finished, you'll have one long strip.
Begin folding the strip back and forth, accordion-style, until it forms a tiny booklet. When you reach the last rectangle, I like to wrap it around to the front and glue it in place. It creates a simple little binding and helps the booklet stay together.
Now your tiny booklet is ready to fill. Think back to the truths that came to you while you were coloring and folding, and write one on each page. They might be reminders like I am loved, God is with me, I am not alone, or I am God's beloved. Decorate the pages if you'd like, I added a few tiny stickers I had on hand.
I love how this little booklet turned out. It's small enough to tuck into a pocket, purse, or journal, and I'm planning to keep mine nearby for those moments when I need to remember what is true.