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Knit, Purl, Pray: 52 Devotions for the Creative Soul
52 knitting-themed reflections for the over 53 million knitters who want to blend their passion and their faith.
- GenresKnittingNonfictionCrafts
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2015
33 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 17, 2015
For the Creative Soul
I am a utilitarian knitter with mittens, dish cloths, and the occasional scarf as my only output, but even so, one of the things that is always in my sturdy, grab-and-go backpack is a pair of knitting needles holding my current knitting project. It may go for months untouched, but I value any time that I get to spend on it. Knit. Purl. Pray. by Lisa Bogart reminded me of all the reasons why. In the steady rhythm of following a pattern there is space for quiet reflection, and Lisa comes alongside her readers to fill those moments with “a smile of recognition or a gentle conviction, but always a look toward heaven.”
Hard core knitters will delight in Lisa’s references to specific stitches and knitting terminology. “He takes things away (K2tog), and He gives blessings (yarnovers).” However, anyone who is devoted to an artistic pursuit in the context of believingly following Jesus Christ will benefit from her thoughts on focus, on prayer, on obedience and trust, as well as the scriptural basis for her insights.
I especially appreciated the sense of awe Lisa’s devotionals inspire in considering the elegant dance of eye-hand coordination and muscle memory that goes into every knitted garment and that trumpets the miracle of God’s “knitting us together” so “fearfully and wonderfully.” It goes without saying that Knit. Purl. Pray should be a supplement to daily time reading in the Scriptures, and, then, each of the fifty-two readings ends with a prayer that stitches in place that day’s devotional thought.
Years ago I received a hand-knitted sweater made by a dear friend, and I have always enjoyed wearing it — not only because it is a thing of great beauty and warmth, but also because, although we rarely see each other now, through that sweater I have felt connected to my friend. Reading Lisa’s words, I know why: “There is no doubt of the love behind the needles. I feel prayer is probably the most important part of the sweater. [As I knit], I wrap my loved one in prayer all year long.”
Every stitch wrapped in prayer.
Every prayer wrapped in love.
I can’t think of a better reason for knitting!
Early Christmas shopping tip: Knit. Purl. Pray along with the yarn and appropriate needles required to complete the two patterns included in the book would be a very thoughtful and unique gift for the crafters in your life!
This book was provided by Worthy Publishing in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I am a utilitarian knitter with mittens, dish cloths, and the occasional scarf as my only output, but even so, one of the things that is always in my sturdy, grab-and-go backpack is a pair of knitting needles holding my current knitting project. It may go for months untouched, but I value any time that I get to spend on it. Knit. Purl. Pray. by Lisa Bogart reminded me of all the reasons why. In the steady rhythm of following a pattern there is space for quiet reflection, and Lisa comes alongside her readers to fill those moments with “a smile of recognition or a gentle conviction, but always a look toward heaven.”
Hard core knitters will delight in Lisa’s references to specific stitches and knitting terminology. “He takes things away (K2tog), and He gives blessings (yarnovers).” However, anyone who is devoted to an artistic pursuit in the context of believingly following Jesus Christ will benefit from her thoughts on focus, on prayer, on obedience and trust, as well as the scriptural basis for her insights.
I especially appreciated the sense of awe Lisa’s devotionals inspire in considering the elegant dance of eye-hand coordination and muscle memory that goes into every knitted garment and that trumpets the miracle of God’s “knitting us together” so “fearfully and wonderfully.” It goes without saying that Knit. Purl. Pray should be a supplement to daily time reading in the Scriptures, and, then, each of the fifty-two readings ends with a prayer that stitches in place that day’s devotional thought.
Years ago I received a hand-knitted sweater made by a dear friend, and I have always enjoyed wearing it — not only because it is a thing of great beauty and warmth, but also because, although we rarely see each other now, through that sweater I have felt connected to my friend. Reading Lisa’s words, I know why: “There is no doubt of the love behind the needles. I feel prayer is probably the most important part of the sweater. [As I knit], I wrap my loved one in prayer all year long.”
Every stitch wrapped in prayer.
Every prayer wrapped in love.
I can’t think of a better reason for knitting!
Early Christmas shopping tip: Knit. Purl. Pray along with the yarn and appropriate needles required to complete the two patterns included in the book would be a very thoughtful and unique gift for the crafters in your life!
This book was provided by Worthy Publishing in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 22, 2025
As a casual knitter myself, I was excited for this book. It combines three of my favorite things: faith, reading, and knitting; how could this book not be amazing?
Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The readings were not bad, but the insights frequently fell short of “amazing”. First of all, each reading begins with a single verse or two, which in itself is not a problem, but I had to wonder about the context of some of the verses. Sometimes the verse didn’t seem to have much connection with the anecdote that followed, or the point of the day’s devotion as a whole.
When I first picked this up, I thought I was exactly the target audience: a Christian knitter, and one who likes to read devotionals to boot. However, as I worked my way through, I realized there was one demographic I did not fit which would have made the book an even better fit. I am not a new Christian. I have spent years (relatively casually) studying the Bible, so when I pick up a new devotion book, I don’t want something that is going to say the same things I’ve heard before or that will use the same verses that always get picked out as feel-good sentiments. By including knitting as a focal point in this devotion, Bogart attempts to shed new light on common themes. I enjoyed her stories, but the faith/insight aspect fell a bit flat. However, I would highly recommend this to someone who does not have as thorough of a Biblical background or is seeking out a devotional for the first (or nearly first) time, especially if they enjoy knitting or any form of crafting. Knit, Purl, Pray is a perfect fit for that demographic.
(Also, there knitting are patterns in the back of the book!)
Full review posted on my blog, Leggings Are Never Pants
Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The readings were not bad, but the insights frequently fell short of “amazing”. First of all, each reading begins with a single verse or two, which in itself is not a problem, but I had to wonder about the context of some of the verses. Sometimes the verse didn’t seem to have much connection with the anecdote that followed, or the point of the day’s devotion as a whole.
When I first picked this up, I thought I was exactly the target audience: a Christian knitter, and one who likes to read devotionals to boot. However, as I worked my way through, I realized there was one demographic I did not fit which would have made the book an even better fit. I am not a new Christian. I have spent years (relatively casually) studying the Bible, so when I pick up a new devotion book, I don’t want something that is going to say the same things I’ve heard before or that will use the same verses that always get picked out as feel-good sentiments. By including knitting as a focal point in this devotion, Bogart attempts to shed new light on common themes. I enjoyed her stories, but the faith/insight aspect fell a bit flat. However, I would highly recommend this to someone who does not have as thorough of a Biblical background or is seeking out a devotional for the first (or nearly first) time, especially if they enjoy knitting or any form of crafting. Knit, Purl, Pray is a perfect fit for that demographic.
(Also, there knitting are patterns in the back of the book!)
Full review posted on my blog, Leggings Are Never Pants
October 16, 2015
My Thoughts:
Those of you who know me, know i don't usually pick up a nonfiction book. This one caught my attention though. Not because I knit (I don't), but because I am creative and crafty. I mean, I crochet (a craft that shares some similarities to knitting) and I scrapbook. So I was intrigued.
Whenever I've requested a devotional to review, I always wish that I actually could enjoy it the way it is designed - in this case over 52 days. But I couldn't do it that way as the review needed to be up by Oct 15.
Still this book was good to read. It is very easy to read and I loved the connections made between the craft and the actual time spent creating the piece. Things like being bored or just passing time. The book itself brought to mind that we are like a tapestry that is still in progress of being made. When it's completed, it's going to be something amazing. But right now, we're still a work in progress. Just like the blanket I'm working on.
There's a lot I can learn from this book. I'll probably eventually purchase a paperback copy to be able to access it easier than the pdf version that I received from the publisher.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think I'd like to go back through it the way it's supposed to be read and get more out of it.
I received a pdf version of this book for free from Worthy Books as part of the First Look Blog Tour. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of knitting, devotions, women's ministry
Rating - 4 stars
Those of you who know me, know i don't usually pick up a nonfiction book. This one caught my attention though. Not because I knit (I don't), but because I am creative and crafty. I mean, I crochet (a craft that shares some similarities to knitting) and I scrapbook. So I was intrigued.
Whenever I've requested a devotional to review, I always wish that I actually could enjoy it the way it is designed - in this case over 52 days. But I couldn't do it that way as the review needed to be up by Oct 15.
Still this book was good to read. It is very easy to read and I loved the connections made between the craft and the actual time spent creating the piece. Things like being bored or just passing time. The book itself brought to mind that we are like a tapestry that is still in progress of being made. When it's completed, it's going to be something amazing. But right now, we're still a work in progress. Just like the blanket I'm working on.
There's a lot I can learn from this book. I'll probably eventually purchase a paperback copy to be able to access it easier than the pdf version that I received from the publisher.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think I'd like to go back through it the way it's supposed to be read and get more out of it.
I received a pdf version of this book for free from Worthy Books as part of the First Look Blog Tour. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of knitting, devotions, women's ministry
Rating - 4 stars
October 13, 2015
Knit, Purl, Pray: 52 Devotions for the Creative Soul is a wonderful devotional book that is full of passion for the Lord, knitting and a unique way of combining them both!
This book holds 52 inspiring devotions that I found easy to read and are thought provoking. They can be read in any order and add such a new joyful level to my crafting time.
While Knit, Purl, Pray: 52 Devotions for the Creative Soul is targeted for those of us who love knitting, in a broader sense, it can be used for any form of creativity/ crafting that you love to do. Knitting, crocheting, baking, scrap booking, jogging, etc. The possibilities are endless!
A big thanks to Worthy Inspired Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book holds 52 inspiring devotions that I found easy to read and are thought provoking. They can be read in any order and add such a new joyful level to my crafting time.
While Knit, Purl, Pray: 52 Devotions for the Creative Soul is targeted for those of us who love knitting, in a broader sense, it can be used for any form of creativity/ crafting that you love to do. Knitting, crocheting, baking, scrap booking, jogging, etc. The possibilities are endless!
A big thanks to Worthy Inspired Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2017
My sister - who is not a knitter, but does crochet - read this book and then lent it to me to read. I do both knitting and crochet. There are certain things in this book that speak directly to any creative person, whether you knit or not. There are a couple of little typos scatter through the book. If you're the sort of person to be bothered/distracted by that, there's your warning.
There were so many times over the last two months where the devotion just worked out perfectly for that particular day. My favorite was from May 30th. The reading related to 1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." It was just what I needed to read on that particular day.
There are also so many ideas for how to share your gift of crafting with others. I don't just mean by making presents either. Some of them were ones I'd already heard of - making blankets or winter woolens for people in need, tiny hats for premies, etc. I loved the idea of making little cat blankets, though. That's something I'm going to contact my local shelters about - just to see if there's a need there that I can fulfill.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book and would totally recommend it to anyone who does fiber crafts (either knitting or crochet). There are a few knitting patterns at the end (one for a beehive slouchy beanie and three for cabled cup cozies) that I'm really looking forward to trying out. I have the perfect yarn for the beanie!
There were so many times over the last two months where the devotion just worked out perfectly for that particular day. My favorite was from May 30th. The reading related to 1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." It was just what I needed to read on that particular day.
There are also so many ideas for how to share your gift of crafting with others. I don't just mean by making presents either. Some of them were ones I'd already heard of - making blankets or winter woolens for people in need, tiny hats for premies, etc. I loved the idea of making little cat blankets, though. That's something I'm going to contact my local shelters about - just to see if there's a need there that I can fulfill.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book and would totally recommend it to anyone who does fiber crafts (either knitting or crochet). There are a few knitting patterns at the end (one for a beehive slouchy beanie and three for cabled cup cozies) that I'm really looking forward to trying out. I have the perfect yarn for the beanie!
October 13, 2015
Knitters, needlecrafters, and other creatives would especially enjoy Lisa Bogart's new devotional book. Each devotional can easily be read in 5 minutes and features a verse or passage from the Bible, a vignette of application, and a little prayer. However, as Bogart mentions in the introduction, though a brief read, each devotion is meant to be pondered upon for much longer: during your knitting session or any other part of your day.
I knit, so I could really relate to the devotionals that often incorporated analogies of knitting techniques, stitches, concepts, tools, lifestyles, etc. and related them to a Christian's life. It's apparent Bogart is a knitter herself as she uses the terminology with ease. Some samples of devotional titles include: "Yarn Overs," "Metal or Bamboo," "Mistakes," "Novelty Yarns," and "Weaving in the Ends." The book also includes two patterns for small projects: the first for a slouchy beehive hat/beanie and the second for three different cabled coffee cup cozies. Though obviously aimed at knitters, I think other needleworkers and crafters in general might enjoy this devotional as well due to the creative theme of the book.
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes.]
I knit, so I could really relate to the devotionals that often incorporated analogies of knitting techniques, stitches, concepts, tools, lifestyles, etc. and related them to a Christian's life. It's apparent Bogart is a knitter herself as she uses the terminology with ease. Some samples of devotional titles include: "Yarn Overs," "Metal or Bamboo," "Mistakes," "Novelty Yarns," and "Weaving in the Ends." The book also includes two patterns for small projects: the first for a slouchy beehive hat/beanie and the second for three different cabled coffee cup cozies. Though obviously aimed at knitters, I think other needleworkers and crafters in general might enjoy this devotional as well due to the creative theme of the book.
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes.]
October 28, 2015
There is nothing better than a quiet moment to yourself with your yarn! Lately I've been working to shut off the noise and to reflect on my quiet time while I work on my creations.
Don't worry crocheters this book is for you too! It really could be for anyone crafty. I've read through several of the devotions already and they have each spoken to my heart. It's light reading with a simple verse and thoughts to reflect on. Most readings are just a page or two!
Sometimes for me working with yarn, well, is work and this book has reminded me about the things I truly do love about working with my hands and yarn. This book feels like your having chat with a friend that understands your craft.
It's helped remind me to be a blessing to others with my craft and oh so much more. So thankful for the simple truths and reflections in this book. It's a great addition to your day.
I was also thrilled to see that there are four knit patterns included in the book. A great slouchy beanie and three coffee cozies. I'll admit I don't knit much but I do know the basics. I love cabling so I just had to make all the coffee cozies! I love them and learned some new technics along the way!
I'll have to make that hat soon too!
Don't worry crocheters this book is for you too! It really could be for anyone crafty. I've read through several of the devotions already and they have each spoken to my heart. It's light reading with a simple verse and thoughts to reflect on. Most readings are just a page or two!
Sometimes for me working with yarn, well, is work and this book has reminded me about the things I truly do love about working with my hands and yarn. This book feels like your having chat with a friend that understands your craft.
It's helped remind me to be a blessing to others with my craft and oh so much more. So thankful for the simple truths and reflections in this book. It's a great addition to your day.
I was also thrilled to see that there are four knit patterns included in the book. A great slouchy beanie and three coffee cozies. I'll admit I don't knit much but I do know the basics. I love cabling so I just had to make all the coffee cozies! I love them and learned some new technics along the way!
I'll have to make that hat soon too!
December 3, 2015
Knit, Purl, Pray is for the knitter who recognizes that when she is creating
something beautiful with yarn, it is also a way to be quiet and reflect. The
devotions make connections between knitting and all manner of things from joy and
service to boredom and confession. These reflections help the reader think about
the craft they love in a new way and perhaps see their problems as something
that can be unraveled and reworked into something beautiful. Each new day is an
opportunity to create something new.
I don't knit but I would love to! I thought this was a unique devotional that was very inspirational. There are 52 devotions with each chapter starting with a scripture and ending with a prayer. The author incorporates analogies of knitting techniques, stitches, tools, concepts, etc. and relates them to a daily Christian life. This is a delightful easy to read book that also includes a couple of patterns.
*Thanks to First Look and Worthy Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*
something beautiful with yarn, it is also a way to be quiet and reflect. The
devotions make connections between knitting and all manner of things from joy and
service to boredom and confession. These reflections help the reader think about
the craft they love in a new way and perhaps see their problems as something
that can be unraveled and reworked into something beautiful. Each new day is an
opportunity to create something new.
I don't knit but I would love to! I thought this was a unique devotional that was very inspirational. There are 52 devotions with each chapter starting with a scripture and ending with a prayer. The author incorporates analogies of knitting techniques, stitches, tools, concepts, etc. and relates them to a daily Christian life. This is a delightful easy to read book that also includes a couple of patterns.
*Thanks to First Look and Worthy Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*
April 13, 2019
Appreciated how Lisa Bogart weaves the art of knitting into our faith.
Read
October 30, 2019Enjoyed it very much!
Want to read
April 29, 2020I appreciated how author Lisa Bogart crafted a devotional book that blended knitting and faith together. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy devotional books and knitting.
November 25, 2020
Great inspirational read for knitters. Lisa shares light hearted, heartfelt snippets for your day.
May 25, 2022
Knitting is great therapy. Even though your fingers are moving, your mind usually slows. This is a sweet little book of devotions for the knitter who knows knitting is so much more than a FO.
February 25, 2025
What a delightful devotional! It combined a love of knitting with appropriate Bible verses and life applications with encouragement for each of the 52 days.
October 18, 2015
A devotional geared toward knitters, but honestly a book that will speak to the heart of anyone! As a crocheter, and sometimes knitter I found myself relating to the devotionals inside this book. First of all instead of reading the book cover to cover I used the index to turn to devotionals that spoke to me, and some of the titles really caught my eye, such as Sticks and String, I don't know how many times I have had people ask me what I am doing with my "stick and string" and once I explain what I am doing, they either become very interested, or their eyes glaze over and they change the subject. That's the great thing about this little book of devotions, it is easy to relate to no matter what needle craft hobby you might enjoy. I really like the size of this book because it's small enough to slip in a purse, but it's still big enough that the print is very readable. Overall, I think book would make a wonderful gift for anyone who enjoys needle crafts. Truly a wonderful way to begin the day.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
November 18, 2015
What a wonderful devotional. It spoke to my heart as I read it, day by day. I enjoyed the fact that it had Bible scripture and prayer in each reading. This book would make a great gift and would be a wonderful addition as groups get together to start their time off with a devotion. Thank you for the opportunity to read and share, knit purl pray.
July 7, 2016
What a lovely book. I used it for my daily devotions and every page had a wonderful, thoughtful message. Bogart's insights of faith through knitting transcend "just" knitting and could be applied to quilting, sewing or any other gift God has endowed upon you. This book was such a blessing in my life. I would definitely recommend this book. Spoiler Alert! She even included two patterns at the end!
July 18, 2016
As a knitter, I thoroughly enjoyed this devotional. I love how the author takes the ordinary things we do when we knit and relates it to our Christian life. Each day made me continue to ponder those thoughts as I worked on the current project. This devotional is great for anyone who is a creative soul.
August 22, 2016
Part personal story and part devotional, spiritual knitters will enjoy Knit, Purl, Pray. The chapters are short and easily read. Knitters will also enjoy the knitting instructions in the back. I'm not a knitter, but found the book to be uplifting.
I won this book via a Goodreads giveway.
I won this book via a Goodreads giveway.
September 19, 2015
I am recommending this devotional to all my crafty friends....
December 14, 2015
this is a great book to gift or for inspiration.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews