Prayer Shawl Ministry Home Page
Celebrating over 10 years!
"Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing,
symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.
They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace,
mother, hug, shelter and beautify.
Those who have received these shawls have been
uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to
fly above their troubles..."
Written in 1998 by: Janet Bristow Copyright ©2012
Photo By: Shana Sureck - The Hartford Courant August 7, 2002
About the Shawls...
In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo,
two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford
Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of
their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the
direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. Compassion and the love
of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and
spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace,
as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every
shawl.
Whether they are called
Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl
maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The
intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon
completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its
way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and
passing it onto someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from
person-to-person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the
unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!
(*The shawls can also be crocheted, quilted, woven or machine knitted as well!)
Some uses for the shawl...
Shawls can be used for: undergoing medical
procedures; as a comfort after a loss or in times of stress; during bereavement;
prayer or meditation; commitment or marriage ceremonies; birthing, nursing a
baby; bridal shower or wedding gift; leading ritual; first menses or croning
rites of passage; during an illness and recovery; ministering to others;
graduation, birthday, anniversary, ordination, holiday gifts; or just
socializing...there are endless possibilities!
To make a shawl personal,
the giver or the recipient may want to adorn the shawl with beads, shells,
feathers and charms. A blessing or ritual maybe offered when the gift is presented.
| Stories and Inspirations | Prayers | Shawl Instructions |
| In The News | Photo Gallery |
| Tips/Ideas/Other Patterns | Message Board | Downloadable Brochure |
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The Prayer Shawl Companion Books
Designs and Patterns to
Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life
Written By: Janet Bristow and Victoria A. Cole-Galo
The Prayer Shawl Companion & The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion ~ Now available in stores.
[click on the first two pictures for shopping options)
The New Prayer Shawl Companion ~ Available October 2012
Knitted Thought For The Month!
(Click on the pen)
If our website appears scrambled, your internet browser may not be compatible with our website.
It is important to us that the origins of this ministry be honored. We have worked diligently to keep this ministry a 'grass-roots' effort. These shawls are meant to be given away unconditionally and NOT to be sold.
All materials on this site are
copyright protected, duplicating,
distributing, or
displaying any part of it, outside of
personal use, is prohibited.
Due to an overwhelming response we are unable to take shawl requests. Please visit our 'links' page to find a Shawl Ministry group in your area that may be able to assist you. |