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.