Charity Spotlight: Prayer Shawl Ministry
Monday May 12, 2008
Though I'm not really a religious person, I have always been fascinated by the idea of prayer shawls. Just the thought of making something for someone else, being mindful of sending them love and good wishes, even if you don't think of that as prayer, is a really powerful thing.
This week I thought I'd bring to your attention the Prayer Shawl Ministry, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The ministry was formed by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at the Hartford Seminary. The group encourages churches and other groups to join together to help people in their own communities and to use the shawls to provide comfort to people going through a loss, medical treatment or other hardship. They can even be used to celebrate a life passage or just to let someone know you're thinking of them.
The website includes links to groups, simple shawl patterns, information about the symbolism of prayer shawls (also sometimes called peace shawls or comfort shawls) and suggested prayers to say while working on the shawls, if you are so inclined.
I've been meaning to start a prayer shawl for ages; maybe thinking about it again will give me the push I need.
Another cool idea related to prayer shawls coming up this week: Suzanne at Trinity Shawls is declaring this Sunday, May 18, Craft World Peace Day. People who sign up to take part in the day will be e-mailed prayers through the day to remind them to think about bringing peace to the world. It's a fine thought to hold when knitting a prayer shawl, too.
This week I thought I'd bring to your attention the Prayer Shawl Ministry, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The ministry was formed by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at the Hartford Seminary. The group encourages churches and other groups to join together to help people in their own communities and to use the shawls to provide comfort to people going through a loss, medical treatment or other hardship. They can even be used to celebrate a life passage or just to let someone know you're thinking of them.
The website includes links to groups, simple shawl patterns, information about the symbolism of prayer shawls (also sometimes called peace shawls or comfort shawls) and suggested prayers to say while working on the shawls, if you are so inclined.
I've been meaning to start a prayer shawl for ages; maybe thinking about it again will give me the push I need.
Another cool idea related to prayer shawls coming up this week: Suzanne at Trinity Shawls is declaring this Sunday, May 18, Craft World Peace Day. People who sign up to take part in the day will be e-mailed prayers through the day to remind them to think about bringing peace to the world. It's a fine thought to hold when knitting a prayer shawl, too.
Comments
I’ve been making prayer shawls for two years now. By far, the quickest easiest one is a triangle one. Started with 4 stitches then, knit two, yarn over knit to end of row. This increases one stitch each row. Increase until wide edge is from 60″ to 72″ depending on the size of the person you are making for and the yarn available. For a lacy shawl use a needle size one to three sizes bigger then called for on the yarn package. Baby yarn 10 to 11. Knitting worsted 11 to 13. Bulky 13 to 17. Yarn can always be doubled or combined with another for an interesting effect. We had a “retired” lady who knitted shawls, lap robes and dish rags at an absoultely astounding rate. 3 to 5 shawls/lap robes a week, a dozen dishrags a week, gifted to “Bread of Life” attendees at Easter week.
I haveen’t knit any prayer shawls yet, but I have long prayed for the people I am knitting for at the time. It gives me something to think about and I feel that I am knitting my love and prayers into something that will hopefully do more than just keep the body warm.
that pattern starting with 4 sts is the “dishrag” pattern ! Very versatile pattern !
I am in desperate need of help. I have lost my way, and desperately trying to find my way back. I understand prayer shawls and quilts are expensive. But could someone maybe just send me a square or something to hold onto as I pray? I just know if i had something special, and prayers said for me I can find my way back to God. Won’t you please help me find my way back to the right path?! Please!…tina marie
I am in the process of making my first prayer shawl. I am more than halfway finished. The shawl pattern I use is knit 3 pearl 3-
57 stiches-with 3 skeins of Lion Brand Yarn HOMESPUN. It makes a beautiful shawl.
When I decided to make my first prayer shawl, it came to me to pray for myself. So that is what I have been doing. I know in my own life there is a need for change, an inward change (a change of heart). So as I knit my shawl I pray to God, the only One who can change my
heart. Debbie W.