Does Your Church Have a Prayer Shawl Ministry?

In our travels around the Conference, we have encountered a handful of churches that have Prayer Shawl Ministries.  These involve groups of women (and some men) who love to knit or crochet.  They normally get together on a periodic basis – either monthly or bi-weekly or even weekly – to practice their handiwork, pray for those who will be receiving the prayer shawls and enjoy the company and fellowship of their fellow members.  In the ministries at several churches, outsiders have even joined the group because of their love of the art and because their church doesn’t have such a ministry.

The prayer shawls are generally about 4’ x 2’ and can be of any color(s) or style.  They can be made from wool, cotton or other fabrics.  Some prayer shawls are even made of fleece with fringed edges to spruce them up.  Often, a church’s “inventory” of prayer shawls is divided into 4 groups – men, women, boys and girls – to be able to serve possible recipients from each category.  Generally, once a year, the prayer shawls are dedicated during a Sunday morning church service.  This also gives the congregation a chance to see the gorgeous handiwork of these artists.

When the Pastor or Lay Leader becomes aware of a person who is undergoing significant difficulties – a severe medical crisis, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or whatever – they simply notify the Chairperson of the Prayer Shawl Ministry and provide the name and address to which a prayer shawl should be sent.  A prayer shawl is selected and a card is included with the prayer shawl.  The rest is maintained confidential, even from the rest of the Ministry.

The card can say anything.  One church’s card says “May this shawl be warming, comforting, enfolding, embracing, and a hug from God.  May this mantle be a safe haven, a sacred place of security and well being; sustaining you in good times and in difficult ones.  May you be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love.  May God bless you.  From the Knitters of xxx UMC.”

Why start a Prayer Shawl Ministry?  It’s a wonderful ministry to offer for participation.   It’s a way to continue beautiful art forms that, sadly, are dying out.  And, it is a tremendously meaningful way to let someone know they are loved, that people are thinking about them, and that people have been praying for them – even before their need was known.

If your church would like to start a Prayer Shawl Ministry, please contact Ted Soto at 804-521-1122.  He can put you in touch with the chair(s) of several ministries across the Conference who can answer all your questions.