“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.”—Psalm 119:143 (NLT)

While on a 3 hour road trip to Austin, I thought, “I won’t be getting in many steps today sitting in the car." Of course, I was knitting while my husband was driving. I glanced at my Fit Bit and saw how many steps I had. When we stopped to eat, it had gone up a little bit, which means, that even though my feet aren’t moving, my hands are and I guess that counts. So apparently, moving my hands and arms as I knit, count as some movement. Unfortunately, it is not enough to get my heart rate up and count as exercise.

Knitting has a lot of health benefits but physical exercise isn’t one of them. It may exercise my mind, but not my body. I guess I could start a trend at the gym and try to knit on the stair stepper or treadmill, but for those that know me, I’m not the most coordinated person and that probably wouldn’t end well. 😬

I know there are days that I wish knitting counted as cardio, but I am glad it doesn’t. I can’t totally focus when I multitask. When I sit and knit, I not only have quiet time with God, but I am also immersed in whatever I am making as I pray for who is going to receive my gift.

I love that a Finnish Olympic coach has brought international recognition to knitting being something that calms and relaxes. I know that and all my by fiber friends are aware of this, but not many others can appreciate how it relaxes you during tense situations. This is why I enjoy praying and having a sticky note scripture on my pattern. God’s Word and knitting are the best combination to soothe my soul, especially when I am feeling anxious.

Dear Lord,

Thank You, that you have provided me with an outlet that not only shares Your love with others, but also calms my anxious heart when I am feeling stressed. I praise You, that through Your Word and through knitting that I am able to bring peace in the midst of panic. Continue to lead me to people to both receive my hand knitted gifts as well as people who would like to learn how to knit so that we can grow Your kingdom through our hands and hearts.

If you are memorizing this months scripture, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”—Psalm 119:11, make sure you keep it with you as you knit this week. Please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit Pray Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare.