Worshiping with Arts & Crafts
We’ve discussed creative praying using art and the gifts we’ve been given. But we can also worship God using our arts and crafts.
The examples in the Bible of using arts and crafts, were actually the crafts {or work} of the day. Today, many of these have become more of a wide range hobby, although there are still individuals who make their life’s worth with these ancient occupations {but my how they’ve changed over the centuries}.
So what does the Bible say?
- Exodus 5:7 “You are no longer to give the people straw to make brick as
previously; let them go and gather straw for themselves.
- Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon?
- Exodus 31:5 and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship.
- 1 Samuel 8:13 “He will also take your daughters for perfumers and cooks and bakers.
- Exodus 28:11 “As a jeweler engraves a signet, you shall engrave the two stones according to the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them in filigree settings of gold.
- Exodus 30:25 “You shall make of these a holy anointing oil, a perfume mixture, the work of a perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.
- Jeremiah 18:3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel.
So what are ways to use arts and crafts as creative praying?
- Make jewelry—make jewelry to share with others, whether it is a cause or expresses a theme in the Bible, pray for the future wearer
- DIY Bath and Body—if you enjoy making bath and body items, this is an
opportunity to pray for others while making the items. As a ministry help those that are in need such as the homeless, elderly, single parents, under privileged children, etc. {Just be careful of smells and allergies others may have.}
- Carvings—woodworking is very popular and beautiful scenes can be etched into the word depicting a theme, feeling or scene from the Bible. Maybe you know a family in need to create a table or other piece of furniture the family which the family is in need.
- Weaving—basket or rug weaving is an art form that used to be very popular but is not heard of as often today.
- Designing—whether it is stamping a T-shirt, embroidering a bag, making a wreath, building a fountain or other projects of designing a piece of clothing or items for the house. There are numerous DIY projects that can are designed. Think about what you are designing, why you are designing that and how to bless others through this design.
- DIY soap and candle making—this is a fun craft today, but for centuries was a regular tasks for women of the day.
- Sand art—this is a favorite among my residents. We have filled fruit to depict the fruits of the spirit, designed pictures, and printed pictures in which we’ve used sand to bring to life. {You could also do this with stained glass, if you have that talent}. For those that love the beach, designing on a larger scale might be an idea.
- Glass Design—there are a variety of ways to design glass from glass etching, to glass painting, to creating glass figures to a variety of other ideas.
- Flower arranging—arrange flowers for the kitchen table, church, a nursing home, a wedding, a funeral or another special occasion.
The possibilities of using arts and crafts for creative praying are endless.
Just remember, the goal is to find a way to spend time in meditation and prayer with the Lord. If creating for another person, take that time to pray while you are creating for the other individual.
How do you use arts and crafts as a creative prayer outlet?