What stories from scripture shape your faith today? Harriet Powers stitched the Bible into a quilt — creation, betrayal, cross, and hope. Through quiet contemplation, we listen for the story God is stitching into our own lives.

Psalm 71:15-17

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Settle into a comfortable position. Let your shoulders soften. Unclench your jaw. Rest your hands.

Draw in a deep breath, and invite God to be with you. And exhale, as the Spirit surrounds you.

Stay here a moment.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

As you begin, imagine an artwork before you: a quilt that holds the sweep of Scripture—from creation to the crucifixion.

We are not only looking as curious observers. We are looking for a way to connect with God.

Let this time be spacious. Open yourself to whatever Scripture or story God places in your heart today—and do not limit it.

First, take in the quilt as a whole. Then, let your attention rest—panel by panel—listening for God’s voice.

Scripture

Psalm 71:15–17

My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all day long, though their number is past my knowledge.

I will come praising the mighty deeds of the sovereign God. I will praise your righteousness—yours alone, O God. From my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

Holy Spirit, come near as we listen. Teach us again to remember your saving acts, and to proclaim your wondrous deeds in our own time.

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

Bible Quilt — Harriet Powers

This quilt gathers the Bible into panels—each one a story, each one a witness. As you gaze, let the image become a doorway into conversation with God about creation, struggle, mercy, and saving love.

You may notice scenes such as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, Jacob’s dream, the baptism of Jesus, the Last Supper, Judas and the thirty pieces of silver, the Holy Family, and the crucifixion.

Reflection Questions

As you look over the quilt as a whole, what do you notice first drawing your attention?

As you move from panel to panel, what themes begin to emerge as you listen to God?

Which panel feels closest to your life today, and what stirs in you as you linger there?

What biblical story or passage rises in your heart as you gaze, and what makes it feel important right now?

What does God want you to hear from that place in Scripture today?

As other Bible stories or passages come to mind, how do they deepen or expand God’s message for you?

What might it look like for your mouth to “tell of” God’s saving deeds in the ordinary moments of your day?

When you consider what Harriet included—and what she did not include—what stories do you find yourself holding close, and why?

If you were to capture your faith as a quilt—with as many panels as needed—what scenes, Scriptures, or moments would you place there?

Closing

God of righteousness, from our youth you have taught us, and still you teach us. Gather the scattered pieces of our remembering. Let your mighty deeds sink in—strengthen us, encourage us, and shape what we speak and what we live. Amen.

I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.