“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.”—Isaiah 30:15 (NLT)

At the end of May, I received an email from a local dance studio for a class called, “Prayer Yoga” two mornings a week, one of those days is Monday. I thought to myself, “what a great way to start off my week!” So, for the month of June, every Monday morning at 7:45, I went to this class. I can be very regimented in the way I do things, one of those being my quiet/prayer time. This was a good way for me to break free from that and try something new. 

Rather than pray and ask God for things, we were instructed to lay on our mats, listen to Christian music and soak in what God wants to tell or show us. After one song, we continue to listen to music but write or draw in our journals what we feel like God is telling us. As I am able to meditate during this time, I am able to let go of all distractions….well, not at first, my first class I wasn’t able to settle my mind, but now, I am able to use this as a time of renewing my soul….a good jump start for my week!

If I am able, when I start to get stressed or anxious about something, I will turn on Christian music, close my eyes and just soak in the words of the song. It helps me to get refocused and turn my trust upward and not inward. It has been a matter of being able to retrain my mind as I sit or lay quietly “soaking” in the words of the music that permeates the air. It settles and fills my restless soul. It is in this stillness where I receive restoration. 

What I blessing the class has been. I am so thankful that God laid this class on both the studio owner and instructor’s heart. This isn’t something that they have to do, they do it because they both love the Lord and want to help others grow in their faith.

The above photo is of journal band/pen holders that I made for members in the class. The red/pink at the top and bottom serve as a reminder of how we are all sealed with the blood of Christ from the beginning to the end. It is a small way for me to be able to share my thankfulness to the studio owner, instructor and class members.

Is there a Bible study, class or small group you are in where you can let the leader know how it is impacting your life? Maybe that person needs some reassurance that they are doing what God is calling them to do? Of course, if you knit or crochet, you can always make them a gift along with telling them how much you appreciate their efforts. 

However, it doesn’t have to be a handmade gift….meet them for coffee or lunch… a gift card to a restaurant or book store or a card for them with encouraging words or scripture. The bottom line is, thank them in some way to let them know that they matter and they are making a difference in God’s Kingdom. Who can you give the gift of gratitude to this week?

Dear Lord, 

I thank You for exposing me to new ways for me to rest in Your presence. I thank You for businesses that open their doors for others to share Your love. I thank You for leaders who selflessly shares their hearts and talents to help others grow in their faith. I ask for You to give me the words to say to someone that has or is impacting my spiritual well being. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

July Memory Verse: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”—Hebrews 13:8

Please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.