Prayer Shawl Ministry Guest Book
Having started our Prayer Shawl ministry at the First Nazarene Church in Casper recently, and as I was praying and knitting this afternoon, I decided to see if there was a site on the internet. What a wonderful website! Furthermore, as I prayed, I felt that I wanted to deliver my shawls personally to someone in particular. As I was praying, the phone rang regarding a recently divorced mother of three for whom I had been praying! I will finish this shawl and wrap it around her in love. Also, I have been drawn to volunteer at Hospice but put it off. Thinking about delivering these shawls, and feeling I wanted to deliver them, I knew I should use this ministry for what I'd made. Then, as I read the letters on your site, I whispered to myself "well, if there is one concerning Hospice giving, I'll use that to confirm this thought." Sure enough, the letter by Ann A. and "Hospice Volunteers Knit Comfort" by Briana Hovendick confirmed that! Thank you for this site which spreads love to others! Peg Bramson, Casper, WY
What a wonderful website. Our church is just starting Prayer Shawl ministry. Your website is a great help in getting us started with great ideas and patterns. We are looking forward all that God can do through us and our shawls. God Bless
Thank God for the Shawl Ministry Program, I have been active in this group since Feb.2007 and have been promoting it since then. Not only have I made many shawls but have received one in Feb. 2008 from my group after knee replacement surgery. It's so amazing the the comfort and blessings they give to the recipient and also the giver. Thank you again
This is a wonderful website! Very informative! Thank you!
Your website is wonderful. I have known about this ministry for quite some time and have wanted to start it in the Parish. To my surprise, a parishioner came and asked if she could pursue this ministry in the parish. I was delighted. We are in the beginning stages....and this website provides many, many ideas. Thank You! Sister Chris Treichel, OSF Pastoral Administrator Sacred Heart and Saint Ann Churches Auburn, NY
This is so heart warming. I have been looking for this pattern for some time now. So be ready for some new shawls. God Bless Gail Vespa
Just wonderful, and I will begin to do one at once, for a dear friend so very sick. I love to knit and crochet, and belong to a very spiritual group, in 76 countries around the world, and 3.7 million members.
I was sent this site address by a friend in USA. What a wonderful idea! I cannot wait to get started on making a shawl for someone special
I attended an Easter morning church service in Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA, while on vacation, and during the service, two prayer shawls were given to members of the congregation. What a beautiful way to spread the good news of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus! It has touched my heart, and I pray, and plan to start making these shawls in the near future. God Bless!
Thanks God for your ministry . I love to crochet and I have felt for some months now that our Pastors ,Tim and Tina Russell , need new prayer shawls. I began to talk to some of the ladies of the church and they agree and think that we need this ministry in our community., I have just began looking for info and patterns for the shawls and I found your website and it is very informative. thanks so much for this site. Blessings and many thanks to you all from the boot heel of Mo. in His care, Sheila
I received a few prayer shawls, and the website information, from my Sister and Mother, who reside in s.e. Kansas, last fall. I took most of the prayer shawls to my church and passed them to some of the ladies in attendance that next Sunday morning. Recently, I began to feel the urging to make a shawl for one of our ladies. After taking it to her, others began talking about (how) they would like one. Have started crocheting the shawls in triple crochet, 2 yarns at a time. They are on larger hooks, (l, m, n,&p plastic hooks) and each shawl is different. Besides using different colors, there different kinds of yarns. Some are regular knitted worsted and some are light and fluffy, others are heavier. Sometimes, the shawls are crocheted with longer rows and fewer rows while others are crocheted narrower and with more rows. I usually get started and let my hands do the job of deciding what way to go. I stand in the yarn aisle, looking at the colors and types of yarn, then get what I feel directed to get. I don't always have a recipient in mind, while I'm working, other than is that person at work, or at church. Yours, Judy
I have begun my first crochet prayer shawl and have been so comforted just by working on it. I have found the many different ways of making the shawls very interesting and look forward to making many more. My goal is to learn to knit and make my first knitted prayer shawl. I am looking forward to learning this new skill. This site is so informative and very easy for me to read and follow the instructions. This site is a blessing to me, for helping me to give back
What a beautiful, loving way to care for others.
My father received a shawl as a gift during his cancer treatment, each day he covers himself in these blessings. We are so thankful for those who have committed themselves to this wonderful ministry. I have received the directions and am making my first attempt at crocheting a shawl. I do this while I wait for my father to finish his weekly chemotherapy treatments . I watch as many young children go by on there way to the many doctors at Hershey Medical Center and the shawl reminds me how thankful I am that my three children are healthy and happy. I couldn't be more blessed. God's blessings and continued prayers for this ministry. I am also hoping to introduce this to members of my home congregation. Pray for us. Mary Roland
I was just beginning to look into this ministry and found this very helpful. Maybe down the road a bit I could schedule a workshop...that would be great
Thank you! This is exactly what I need in my life right now. I am suffering from "empty nest" syndrome. My children have truly been my passion and I miss them terribly. I have been feeling very lost and unnecessary. Then I found your website. At first concerned, because though spiritual I am not very religious, and then realized I didn't need to be religious to crochet a shawl for someone in need. My prayers may not be the standard prayers, but they are prayers felt from my heart and soul. I finished my first shawl and am sending it to a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Have talked about this with friends and I am hoping this grows into all I have read about. Thank you for your generosity and inspiration. Diane
I help make prayer shawls along with other women in my CWL group and deliver them to the ill parish members. it is wonderful feeling to see the smiles on their faces . it makes to meaning of the shawl more meaningful. also you met new people all the time
Hi to you all: It is with great joy that I was introduced to the Shawl Ministry by a friend. I have download the pamphlet and introduced it to my CWL friends and we are in the midst of starting a shawl ministry. With thanks, and many blessing to you all. Barbara
I have just received the most beautiful and meaningful gift "A Lap Robe" from my oldest daughter "Sandi Nolte of Vancouver, Washington". It is very comforting to not only feel God's presence, but also knowing Sandi's Prayers, love, patience and hard work went into creating this beautiful reminder. God's Blessing to all... Bob
THANK YOU !!! I LOVE your site/the ideas, since two of our four young children passed away suddenly, I needed to hand my grief to the Lord and prayed for a way in which to "love" others in my children's names...I accidentally found your site and since then have knitted shawls for loved ones who needed comfort...God bless you and your wonderful work xx
I just learned of your website today. Pretty neat!!
I have thought about shawls for other people less fortunate or sicker than I and last night I was looking through an old craft magazine and saw your story of Prayer Shawls and I felt that NOW is the time to get a group started in my retirement Apt. complex. I love your site and intend to start working on shawls to show both my knitting and crocheting neighbors, even if I have to teach them to do either, With your prayers and the grace of God we will have a Shawl Group at Francis Heights.
Thank you for such a great web site. The scraps from my prayer shawls I have used to knit myself a shawl and so every time I wrap myself in mine I think of all those I have made them for. Now that it is done I use the scraps for fringe for the edges. So I always have a piece of every shawl I made.
Thank you for this wonderful site. I have shared it with our knitters at Good Shepherd who have been meeting weekly for a year producing many prayers and shawls for many reasons. Blessings to all of you who originated and who maintain this site
I love the idea of the prayer shawl ministry. My dad has been sick and in the hospital since Jan. A family member put him on the prayer list and the ladies in their shawl ministry knitted him the most beautiful prayer shawl. I am a knitter and have been looking at different patterns because I would like to start making them for some of the local churches or hospitals. Keep up what you are doing because God does answer prayers and what a good way to show your love with Gods love. Scotti
As an advocate for 26 years working with High Risk and At Risk Students in the public school system with those with seen and unseen disabilities I am starting to make these for them and their parents. What a comfort it will be during all the crises that have to encounter and a simple prayer for serenity. Thank you.
We have started a Prayer Shawl Ministry at our church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Ponchatoula, LA. Some of the ladies are crocheting and some are knitting shawls. I have made a quilted lap robe using charm squares in colors and designs appropriate for a man. Thank you for giving us the motivation and the instructions for this ministry. We are enjoying being together and working on such a worth-while project.
Great Site. I really find this interesting.... the prayers will be great to enclose as I crochet for new babies. Diana
I was Blessed to have received a shawl a couple of years ago, this wonderful shawl is with me on my chair in all Seasons. I wrap myself in it with all your loving prayers. May God Bless you all and this wonderful Website.
I work at Southerncare Hospice as a volunteer coordinator I help with our patients to see they get what they need and wish for. We have 60 patients I would love for them to have a shawl. thank you.
I am Volunteer Coordinator for Shepherd's Care Hospice. We want to start a Prayer Shawl Ministry in our area. I know there is a group in Tulsa about 60 miles from us. We would like for the communities we serve to unite with us to make shawls for our patients and families.
My good friend in NC recently lost her husband. She was greatly comforted by a prayer shawl from her parish. What a wonderful idea. I hope to get my church involved in the ministry.
I love this idea and wish to make a few of these for some loved ones.
Thank you for such a great site on Prayer Shawls.
Thank you for the help your web site has provided I have a dear friend who has cancer and I wanted to make sure that I made her shawl the correct way. Sherry
I found about this lovely program... Completed 1 shawl and now starting #2, plus I have a crochet one on the go. This is very relaxing and spiritually pleasing to the heart. What a way to involve the community or Catholic Women's League. Thank you very much for sharing Gods beautiful gift with others.
I am crocheting this shawl to give to a mom to be. And I hope that one day this baby boy can pass it on to his child. I love this site!
I'M NEW TO THIS TOWN AND WAS READING ABOUT YOUR PRAYER SHAWLS. WHAT A GREAT IDEA ! I WAS INVOLVED WITH A SMALL WOMEN'S GROUP AND 2 OF THEM WOULD MAKE THESE CONTINUALLY TO GIVE TO OTHERS THAT WE WOULD SPONSOR. IT IS A WONDERFUL GIFT. JUDY
I received a shawl today from my friends mother. She lives in Cleveland , TN and although I do not know her personally, the shawl she sent me touched me deeply. I am blessed to have a Savior who has blessed me with such an awesome Christian Family! I will treasure my shawl!
This is an amazing ministry, and the fact that so many women that use their God given talents to help others is just amazing. Using something as relatively simple and carefree as knitting to help others is a true blessing.
Blessings...what a wonderful ministry! You have the ladies out here all excited about getting a group started. I love to crochet but need absolutely nothing so this is a very good way of putting my efforts to good use. MM I look forward to working on my wheel chair shawl.
I enjoyed visiting your website. My church received an invitation from a former member to begin a prayer shawl ministry. So I "googled" and found you. Your site was very very helpful.
I have been praying to do something with the talent that I have, and now I have found it. I am starting a prayer shawl ministry in my church. Tomorrow is the very first meeting, and I am so excited about it. Keep us in prayer as we start.
Thank you so much for the sharing of your shawl ministry. I am starting one in our parish. What a fantastic way to spread God's word and to give of my talents.
what a wonderful way to wrap someone up in your love and tell them you care for them, have compassion and think of them! God is blessing you every day for what you are doing. a wedding dress that was crocheted by as a gift is only surpassed by this!
Hi! I was thrilled to run across this ministry! I have been crocheting for over 35 years and really how many can you make for family - ha ha! I am trying to get this off the ground at my church (first Christian) slow process, as of now it is only me but what a blessings to be able to "touch" someone with Christ's love with a shawl. please keep me in your prayers for God's guidance and that the doors will open with this ministry. blessings in Christ, Kathy
Last year while receiving chemo for the third time during the last 25 years, a friend invited me to breakfast and then presented me with a shawl. I was so touched. We cried together. The shawl traveled with me to each following treatment, it covered me during the days that followed, it provides comfort during difficult days and it stays on my bed footboard. When I need that extra comfort and support, the shawl covers me. I find peace, rest and comfort while covered in a physical prayer; a prayer shawl. Please continue this wonderful work and thanks so much to everyone knitting. May you each know the blessing that you are creating. Thank you, Shirley in Woodbury
I first found out about the prayer shawls at a Chrysalis Flight at our church. The wonderful lady that told me about this wonderful shawl, inspired me. I am starting a Prayer Shawl Group through our Church. I am honored to carry on this tradition. What a Beautiful, Spiritual Blessing this is. This gesture has truly touched my inner Soul. I can't wait to start my first Shawl.
This is a marvelous ministry, and one which we are beginning in our church here at St. Andrew's Presbyterian in Calgary. We have several knitters & crocheters in our congregation who have been helping with other projects, so we're hoping to "convert" them to the prayer shawl ministry.
I WAS TRYING TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON PRAYER SHAWLS AND YOUR SITE WAS SO INFORMATIVE. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH
My mother has been very sick in the hospital for the past 3 weeks, and my daughter was presented a shawl to be given to her grandma. It is a very beautiful and wonderful idea that this ministry has provided. My daughter is going to be baptized for the first time on Easter Saturday, so when the ladies presented this to her today to give to her grandmother, it was a very spiritual experience for her. I want to thank you for your beautiful blessing. God Bless all of you involved.
Our church group has not had our first year making shawls yet and it is a small group so we have joined with a different denomination hospital as the recipients of our shawls and they are receiving from another group also. At the meeting tonight someone came by to tell us that if we didn't know, that they heard that one of our own was the recipient of one of our shawls, that was especially rewarding. I thank you for your information that helped to get me started and find this to be a wonderful and rewarding opportunity
I think this is such a wonderful idea. I would like to see more examples of finished shawls.
I am a coordinator of a senior center. One of the members just told me that her church is starting a prayer shawl ministry. At the same another member told me she was learning how to crochet by making a prayer shawl. this concept has made me curious. My Mom makes lots of lap robes for local nursing homes. Mom also makes lots of afghans many with an angel pattern for her friends. I am passing this information onto her and her church. thanks for sharing
Our ministry began in early August 07, with only three; daughter, granddaughter and myself. More than 55 Prayer Shawls later and more than 10 members off and on we have sent Prayer Shawls all over the country. No shawl is presented until it has been draped over our alter railing during church services and embedded with prayers and blessings from the congregation. Every recipient is thrilled and overwhelmed at the tremendous feeling of love and caring from all of us at HOPEWELL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in Newton Grove, NC. Thank you both for planting the seed. Thank God for leading me to the garden!
I first learned about this shawl from a friend visiting from another state. What a fantastic idea and something we can do to spread our words of caring and love for another. I work at a senior center and can hardly wait to share this with other knitters and/or crocheter's. thank you for your website giving instructions and prayers.
I would just like to say that I love everything about your website. It is so informative and inspirational. Thanks to the prayer shawl ministry at St. Therese I have been given an opportunity to finally use my talent in the ministry of the Lord. God Bless You.
This is a wonderful site. I just completed my first prayer shawl for a friend. I have gotten some great information here.
I just happened to run across the info on the shawl ministry. I was so touched by what I read as I have a friend who has an inoperable brain tumor and he has been undergoing chemo for some time now... I'm making him one now. I told his wife what I was doing and she was thrilled as she wasn't aware of the shawl ministry nor was I until now. he is in a nursing home for rehab because of what the chemo does to him. I can't wait to get it finished. Thank you.
I am a lung cancer survivor since June, 2002 and currently fighting the battle with stage IV. I am on chemo now and my best friend just brought me over a prayer shawl last night and I can't explain how close I am to the Lord when I wrap myself with the shawl. I believe that the Lord has taken every step of my cancer journey for the last 6 years with me and now having the shawl make is all so real.
Making my first prayer shawl for a dear friend who just found out she has the beginning stages of MS. GOD BLESS EVERYBODY
I'm interested in making a prayer shawl for ones who need comfort, I appreciate what you do for others, And I hope to do the same. Thank you for the information on the website.
I plan a to start a shawl ministry at out church and have already made one shawl. You web site has given me excellent info. Thanks.
I received a prayer shawl from Stone Church Prayer Shawl Ministries in San Jose, California. I was in a deep depression over the Christmas Day passing of my beloved mother and newly discovered high blood pressure. I knew nothing about prayer shawls nor did I know the wonderful people who made it for me. Within days of receiving it, my blood pressure went down and I came out of the depression. I cannot convey enough the power of these shawls nor the blessed people who make them. For those of faith, they are a blessed renewer and I am grateful to have been blessed with the gift of one.
I feel so privileged to have found such a worthy cause such as this on a web site. I would love to get one started in my community if there's not one already. I am going to start making these prayer shawls myself for people I know and want special prayer for. I am going to start with my daughter who is trying to desperately to have a baby and sometimes she gets so depressed. People tell her to just adopt but she insists that if God wants her to have a child then He will give one to her. So my first Prayer Shawl will be for her and God's blessings that she be able to conceive a child. Please join me in prayer.
I have started a prayer shawl ministry in our church and the ladies are ecstatic with it. We are a group of 12 now and have made 35 shawls in a months time. Our minister is going to have a blessing and prayer service for us and then we will begin giving them to recipients named by the group and congregation. We have heard many wonderful comments of those who have received shawls from different groups. It is a good outreach and a blessing to the group as well as the recipients.
I just recently heard of the prayer shawls from a lady that has moved to our area from TX. I find the ministry very interesting.
Becoming a part of the local Prayer Shawl Ministry here in Santa Barbara, CA has been rewarding in too many ways to count. I feel as if I have touched the lives of individuals with thoughts and prayers that I would not otherwise have known. The members of this Ministry are fabulous and just being present is so therapeutic that I would recommend it to everyone! There is no other feeling than being present.
I accidentally discovered your site. My girl friend and I have been talking about starting a shawl ministry. I am excited about the idea. I will gladly stay in touch and let you know what is happening. May God continue to bless this ministry.
I have started crocheting prayer cloths for a few day now. I have felt led to begin a prayer cloth ministry at my church. I just not real sure how to begin. I have gained a lot of information from your sight. thanks
My sister who lives in Nova Scotia told me about Prayer Shawls, so I looked you up and found a wealth of information. What a wonderful idea! I hope I can make some to give to a nursing home and hospital, and especially to the sick at home. I plan on getting some friends involved. Thanks for the many people who have been comforted by your thoughtfulness. Bless you for your kindness.
YOUR SHAWLS ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL AS IS THE MEANING OF THEM. THE COMFORT THEY MUST BRING TO WHOM EVER RECEIVES THEM IS TREMENDOUS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSPIRATION. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU AS WELL AS YOUR SHAWLS.
Love your website! I have been part of a Prayer Shawl Ministry at the Congregational Church here in Rangeley for just over a year. It has been an incredible year for me! I am working on shawl #89 as I speak - and it is such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and giving. You never feel the joy in life until you "give" - to someone you know, or better yet, to someone you don't know and most likely will never meet. Through my knitting I have been instrumental in starting two more shawl ministries - they came about because of a gifted shawl and a phone call asking "what are you working on now?" One is in Florida and the other in South Carolina - far from the northern woods of Maine! You just never know where this ministry will take you. Sincerely, Connie
I'm going to make a suggestion to my church leaders that we start a shawl ministry.
I have just knitting my first prayer shawl for my daughter. I would be further along if I wasn't spending so much time on your site. I think it is truly a spiritual journey. Thank you so much, J
Blessings to all, I am just starting out in the shawl ministry but I already feel filled with hope for the loved ones I will pray and crochet for. Thank you for giving me a way to express my prayers for others.
I am a crocheter and a Christian looking for more ways I can minister to others. I am very excited about this opportunity and will be linking this web site to my blog and finding ways to participate. Thank you for the inspiration!
I am quite interested in the prayer shawl ministry. your website has been very helpful. I would like to start one and am going to look into it. again Mahalo (thank you!)
I have a friend who just lost her husband and I wanted to make a prayer shawl for her but she is so busy all the time I just couldn't see her wrapping up and heading out to do what she does....so I decided to make her a beautiful sweater/cardigan instead. Saying prayers along the way until it is done and she receives it. She can put it on and get a great big hug all day! I think the prayer shawl (sweater :) ) ministry is a wonderful thing and should not be limited to just one thing. I think anything hand knit or otherwise can be a comfort as long as you put a little heart and soul into it. God Bless
Thank you for sharing your beautiful ministry with others. May God bless you richly.
I think this is wonder. I had not heard of your ministry before, but I am going to start working on a shawl this weekend and find someone who needs one as a hug and reminder that they are loved.
This is a wonderful ministry and will present it to the women in my church. Your site is very beautiful and inspiring. May God Bless all of your hands
I want to thank you for providing this resource, not only for patterns and ideas, but also for the prayers. They have allowed those of us who are not that comfortable with public prayer to have something to share.
What a wonderful and heartwarming idea!!! When my vertigo improves My goal is to make a few with the theme of "Lyme" ( spiral stitches to represent spirochetes or perhaps lime green threads woven in) and send to some of my friends/fellow Lyme Disease and Tick Borne Disease sufferers!!
We are just beginning a prayer shawl ministry in our parish and wondered where we could get some information. WOW! Thank you so much for all the work you have put into your site. It's wonderful. Please keep us in your prayers as we begin this prayerful journey.
I made a prayer shawl after a friend introduced me to your work. It was for a pastor leaving a church. I used liturgical colors, Blue, White, Purple, Red and Green. I made one row for each each Sunday in the Church year and repeated one more time. (I used the ends of each row for fringe) I used the seed stitch to represent the Mustard Seed Parable. The congregation used the prayer room to tie on charms and add there prayer in a journal that accompanied the shawl.
After hearing about this ministry and... this website we formed a group here in a small town of less than 5000 people. We meet once a month. Our first meeting was May, 2007 with 12 women. At the June meeting 15 completed shawls were blessed and placed in our cabinet. July brought more shawls and we started giving them out. This is the most rewarding project and those who knit or crochet receive such blessings! This is the best thing most of us have ever done in our lives. Even though we meet at an Episcopal Church we have Methodists, Baptists and Catholic members. It is great!
Hi there, I went to prayer meeting last Monday night, and my pastor had a package. She ask me if I had ever seen one of these, and I replied, "no". She took it out of the package and told me to wrap myself in it beginning with my head as if I were a shepherd. When I wrapped myself with that clothe I began to pray and OH WHAT A WARMTH, the tears that began to well-up out of my belly. I didn't want to take it off and I wanted one of my very own. It was very thin shear, bronze in color with 3 white ropes hanging from it with some type of lace and it came from Jerusalem. I never felt such a power except when the power of God over shadows me, but it was so great. My pastor told me afterward that it was a prayer shawl so I came to work the very next day looking up prayer shawls and I found you, I haven't had a shawl from you, but you're doing the same type of work GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!
Our Women's Ministries at the New Bern Church of God have begun a Prayer Shawl Ministry. We had a shawl presented to one of our sick sisters today and had pray with her. She commented she could feel God's presence while she wore it and was prayed with. We have just been involved a few weeks and already see God working in this ministry. Your web site has been very informative and a blessing. Thanks for all the information and I pray God's blessings on your ministry.
I read on your site it looks like something I would like to join/start in my area. It sounds like such a blessing. Quilted is my preferred form of handiwork, though I do know how to crochet. Knitting has always been difficult for me.
What a wonderful idea. I have a couple of special friends that I am making a Prayer Shawl for. God Bless all who visit this site. It is a wonderful idea and the shawls are a blessing to all that receive them. I am so glad that I found this site. I do not belong to a ministry here but will either look for one in my area or try to get one started. Thank
This is such a wonderful program! I am an avid crocheter, having learned the basics from my grandmother and Mom when I was a child. Since then, I have made many items as gifts, but probably even more as anonymous donations to various hospitals, shelters, churches and individuals. Crocheting is more than a hobby for me - I am very passionate about it. Wherever I am, my yarn, crochet hook and current project are usually with me! When my sister told me about the shawl ministry, I knew it was for me! Now I am learning all I can about it, then present it to my church and offer to start a group. I will keep you informed as to my progress. Jackie
Greetings from the ladies of the Loving Hands Shawl Ministry from St. Mary's UCC in Westminster, MD! Seven of us have gathered this morning at the church - we've accumulated 24 shawls and will conclude our time together today by having a blessing ceremony - then we'll be ready to give them away. Knit/Crochet-On! Blessings to all - from Vicki, Belinda, Carla, Bonnie, Michelle, Tommie and Molly.
I was surprised when I saw the pictures of the shawls. I have always thought of a shawl as a triangle shape and that would link the significance of 3. The crochet stitches are pretty though.
We recently started a prayer shawl ministry in our church. I found the address for this site in something I read so decided to check it out. I will return
I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this ministry. I have used this website as my resource and guide in making a prayer shawl. May you all be truly blessed
I wanted to thank you (especially the prayer shawl ministry of Ligonier, PA. and Madelon S.) for my beautiful shawl. I received it the day before my surgery and it has given me comfort knowing that this shawl was made for me and knowing that people are praying for me in Ligonier. I am having my second brain surgery tomorrow and I plan on bringing my shawl with me to comfort me in the hospital. Thanks again for such a warm and thoughtful gift! Thank you and God Bless! Amber Madigan (Royal Oak, Michigan
We are looking forward to starting a prayer shawl ministry at our Church-Calvary United Methodist in Gamber, MD
I am a artist who makes shawls also with a message. Sometimes that is warmth, love, comfort. Other time's I think more power, strength, stamina or endurance, etc. I always make a poem that go's with the shawl. Your idea off praying during making the shawl, is a warm en welcome suggestion for me. I thank you very much for that. I was very surprised when I saw this page. I sent you much love.
Blessings to all involved in this wonderful ministry. Thank you for the info.
I am a new to crocheting and I am so blessed by this website, I am planning to make two shawls now one for a friend who is having a baby. The other for another friend who is having a hard time in her life. God bless all who make these shawls.
This is a beautiful website. Our church is starting a shawl ministry, and I was so pleased to find this site and the wealth of information it offers. Blessings to you all!
Great idea--presented in church as part of Transformation Sunday.
Thank You for having the love of the Lord in your hearts and thinking of a way to share it with others. I am introducing this program to our church, which has a nursing home visiting ministry on the second Sunday of each month. It will be another way of our church extending our love, care, and thoughts and prayers to the ones who have done that for so many of us before they went to the home. May God continue to bless all of you and this ministry
A very dear friend gave my husband and me a shawl when we moved into our new home last spring. She knits shawls for everyone and even people she doesn't know for her church group. My friend is going through her own rough spot and I wanted to surprise her with a shawl of her own. I obviously couldn't ask her for the pattern or prayers, so I wanted to thank you for making both available on your website. Thank you and God Bless!
Found your site very readable and informative as I seek information on possibly beginning a shawl ministry at our church through our women's group.
Greetings from the Loving Hands Shawl Ministry Saturday group - at St. Mary's UCC in Westminster, MD. Three of us are knitting shawls today (February 2, 2008)- Belinda, Vicki and Molly. Happy Groundhog Day to all! Knit on!
I feel very humbled by the crocheting of a prayer shawl...given to someone with love so that they may feel the warmth and the power of someone caring enough to spend the time in prayer and the activity of the actual crocheting. It is a time when I am reminded of how God will say to me, "Be still and know that I am God." The receiver of each one seems so surprised and yet so delighted to have a prayer shawl. I will continue to do this special ministry until the fingers will no longer work. Until then, thank you for bringing this ministry to us
I enjoyed your site and found it very uplifting. I too am making shawl type wraps for a nursing home near me. I was asked by the nurse who I know ,who works there if I could put pockets in the shawls as the elderly lose their glasses and items they want to keep with them while in their chairs or wheelchairs, so I'm making the shawls with med. sized pockets in them. I 'am making as many as I can in different colors, and I will give them to them in the Fall, hopefully I will have quite a few by then.
When you think your hands are too tired to do another, you're website re-inspires you to go on.
Our Unitarian Congregation has started making "Caring Shawls" for ill members. We pass the knitting around, and those who wish to add a few stitches or rows do so. And the recipient receives a card with the names of the contributors. We just presented our first one and it brought great joy and comfort
I am making a "Prayer Shawl" to be given from our Daughters of the King order. An order of women in the Episcopal Church dedicated to Prayer and Service FHS. I feel such comfort just working on the shawl and to know it will be a comfort to someone in need of His Grace.
Your Shawl Ministry is delightful. I have a friend who is ill, and feels cold almost always, and have been wanting to make something special for her, so I'd like to try one of your shawls. Bernice
I like your site, I have wanted to know more about prayer shawls for a long time. It has been very nice to see such a beautiful expression of femininity.
I just received a prayer shawl. I was deeply moved by the message that was with it. I am going through a great trial in my life and it truly touched me. Although I know nothing about knitting, I would love to learn just so I could send a shawl to someone I love. Thank you so much for this blessing
Greetings- I just want to say "THANK YOU" for this site. The Lord has instructed me in part to purchase a white prayer shawl for a night that I will ministering. I had seen them before and as I began to google it's meaning and history, I came upon your site. Besides being amazed by your unique and beautiful ministry, I believe my love for knitting as a child has returned with a purpose. I have not yet begun to do so, but I know I will in the future. May the Lord continue to bless you.
Have spent over 2 hours reading about this prayer shawl ministry. I am very impressed. If only I knew how to knit or crochet !! Went to library to pick up some CD's and couple of books for beginners. TY. Gail Thompson
I feel the Lord has placed on my heart to start a Prayer Shawl Ministry within our church. I went to the pastor with it and he gave me his blessings. The last two weeks I had placed an insert into the bulletins asking for anyone interested to meet after worship services on February 3rd.I was at a lost as to how to begin - praise God I found your web site. Thank you for all the suggestions! Please pray for us as we begin this ministry. I truly feel that we are the hands and feet of Whom we love dearly - and desire to use my hands for His glory
I have started my 1st prayer shawl, with a special prayer from your ministry.. looking for a Ministry in my home area.
Thank you for sharing your information on Prayer Shawls. I am hoping to start a group in my church soon. I plan on downloading your informational brochures and sharing your site with others. May God Bless you in all that you do. Julie
A friend of mine crocheted at Prayer Shawl for my sister who has undergone chemo & radiation (and is in recovery) for a tumor in her neck. My friend found the information on your site...thank you for providing the information and for the comfort that my sister has received
Glad to find your website! We are a group of ladies who have been knitting shawls for or five years now. We present shawls to those who are ill, to new members, etc. We get together every Saturday morning at the church for coffee, conversation and kitting! Greetings from today's group (it's Saturday, 1/26/08) - Vicki, Belinda, Bonnie, Jeanne, Tommie, and Molly. Knit on, ladies!
Presently I am knitting my second shawl, and will be giving them to our local palitive care unit. It is a small thing to do for the help and care they gave us when my father was dying in 2002. We live in Eastern Canada, and my mum was sent the info on our site from a friend in Western Canada - from one coast to the other. It is a wonderful project and I am glad we were lead to it.
My husband is the Pastor at the Grace Community United Methodist Church in Buffalo, Missouri. I have seen how the Prayer Shawl ministry at Grace Community has changed lives. I am finishing my second prayer shawl and look forward to making many more. Sharon Johnson
I love the website. I knew about knitting a shawl, but I was delighted to see I could crochet one. I am much better at crocheting. May God Bless Your Work
I ordered a book and I never really looked at it. My husband was in the hospital for a treatment and while I was waited for him there was a lady knitting. I asked her what she was making and she replied a Prayer Shawl. We talked for awhile and then my husband was ready to leave. I had some questions I wanted to find out but my book did not have the answers. I found your web site and found the answers I was looking for. I am about to start my first Prayer Shawl. Thank you for the information. I will be making more than just this shawl. Thank you again.
Fantastic. I can hardly wait to start making these and giving them away
Our United Methodist Women's group started a prayer shawl ministry in April of 2007. We have enjoyed it very much. It's such a blessing! Thanks for all the help
I've found this web site to be very informative and motivational. I've begun to make prayer shawls independently, but will soon be sharing ideas with other ladies at my church in the hope of forming a prayer shawl ministry group. I also made a scarf for a former student going through some difficult times in the hope that she will feel my arms around her when she wears the scarf.
My friend Linda in Indiana sent me your information what a wonderful web page and a lovely idea. Best wishes from the other side of the world I am in Queensland Australia and will be sending your web link to my cousin who is in Darwin in the Northern Territory Australia. I know she will love this as much as I do. Linda From Brisbane Queensland
I was looking for a Web site, where we used to send partial started Bennies, and that I find The Prayer Shawl Ministry, I have read all the prayers and have instructions to start my 1st Prayer Shawl, I weep because the Lord has send me to this Web Site It is a beautiful gesture what you all do, I know so many People in need for a Prayer Shawl, including my self. I will submit a request to be consider in becoming a member of this beautiful ministry and will share with all my friends. Thank you
This site was introduced to me by an email pal and I was impressed with I found. She said her daughter was crocheting a Pray Shawl and I asked her what that was and she gave me this site.. I am hooked to come back to visit this site and will make a shawl also.. I am a grandmother of 6 grandchildren and two more on the way soon. Thank you for bringing this site alive.. thank you for the knitting pattern. I will return Christina Jahn
I appreciate so much your web site. I'm semi-retired as of this past July and wondered what I might do with my time. I love to read so began with that, then a friend told me about the prayer shawl ministry. My husband and I have recently joined a new outreach church and I volunteered to be prayer coordinator for our church. I felt the Lord giving me ideas on how to expand our churches prayer ministry by beginning a prayer shawl ministry. It has been so exciting for me to give out two shawls to men who have faced health situations. I first thought maybe men wouldn't appreciate these, but I was wrong. They both felt so touched and have shown them to other leaders in the church to express how much they meant to them. So far I am the only one wanting to knit them, but I believe this will change. I was so thankful for the lacy pattern that is made on size 35 knitting needles because I can easily make enough shawls for the immediate church needs and I pray we can branch out to the community as more people understand this wonderful ministry. Thank you for showing me how powerful this can be for the Lord, I am so blessed too. God Bless You!
I was looking online for patterns to make a cozy shawl for my friend expecting her first child. What a blessing to find this website and learn of this ministry! This will be the perfect gift for my friend and her child. Thank you! PS-I'm originally from Connecticut, and it warms my heart to learn that this grassroots ministry began in my home state :)
I really did enjoy reading what is on your web site. It is inspirational and encouraging. It is something that I never thought about. My thoughts are, if you serve THE LORD with gladness, sharing should never ever be a problem. It takes care of the stress. I started knitting and doing crochet for my dolls since i was a little girl. Never thought about praying offering it to God. Thank you very much, it is something to read, do and pray about.
Our Shawl Ministry at Grace Episcopal Church is starting its 4th year. Your web site was very important in getting us going. We meet the 3rd Monday of every month at the church and our small, devoted group of 4-8 knitters and crocheters have made and distributed dozens of shawls to the sick, the grieving, new moms and elderly long-time parishioners. We have given shawls to our local hospital's cancer center, victims of Katrina and recently to victims of a big fire here in town. We also make booties or hats for infants and children who are baptized at Grace. Thank you for this inspiration. We hope folks in the area who can will join us
I just happened upon this ministry while looking at a craft store in the book department for directions for a shawl for my mother who just entered a nursing home. It is wonderful how God works. This is awesome. Your site is much more informative than any of the books I found. This site answered a lot of questions I had, had prayer suggestions and all kinds of suggestions for the shawls and the symbols for them. I will be visiting this site often. I intend to make prayer shawls for as many as I can in the nursing home. God Bless you and Thank you
What a wonderful sight. It reminded me of my granny and her shawls. As a little girl I would love to wrap myself in one. Then today as a grown one looking at you sight, it enlightened me as the shawl can represent the arms of God holding you tight in your time of need.
Thank you for this wonderful site. I am finding it very helpful and inspiring.
My mother and I started making Prayer Shawls a year ago as a way to minister to others. Last fall, we invited members of our community to join us as we made our ministry public. The response was wonderful. We have about a dozen crafters and we can't keep up with the growing list of recipients. Our ladies are excited about the ministry (two have received shawls in the past) and it is filling a need in our community.
I just found this site by accident and am so glad I did. It is full of so much information I will definitely be back. I just learned about prayer shawls and plan to make one. I especially enjoyed the suggested prayers and color choice based on recipient’s needs. Thanks again for this great service
First Parish Brewster, UU has an active Prayer Shawl Ministry, started in 2005.
Greetings - this is a very prayerful, wonderful site. We too, do a shawl ministry, but it is done w/two pieces of flannel fabric, one yard long by the width of the flannel, quick-turned and top stitched, blessed by our parish priest and given to anyone who needs prayers after/before/during surgery or recovery of an illness. It, too, is a wonderful ministry and given to many, many people in our large parish. Thanks you for sharing such wonderful, prayerful pleas
I am so glad that this website exists for those of us who are working in a prayer shawl ministry. Thanks, Edna
I have started Shawl Ministries in several Saskatchewan cities and am about to introduce it in my home congregation in Regina, Saskatchewan. My experience is that it's a wonderful ministry. Great website! Blessings to you all.
Have started a Prayer Shawl Ministry in our church. This sight has aided in many ways. What an awesome Ministry !!!
I belong to a prayer shawl ministry of 10 in this small town. In the past year, we have knitted and presented 77 shawls. You web site was nice to find. It is great to know there are others out there doing what we do and receiving the blessings we do. Thanks for the support with the shawl patterns.
Have just started the ministry in our church and found your website very helpful. I am interested in a newsletter by email if you have one. Thanks for all the information
This site has been very helpful by providing information about shawl ministry. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us
It was a true blessing to come across this website
i started a local chapter of knitting for peace, one year ago. it has continued to grow at an amazing rate. we are currently working on the prayer shawls for a local organization that assists families who are dealing with terminally ill children. after our "blurb" came out in the local paper, my phone has not stopped ringing hearing from women wanting to make the shawls for this cause. it has truly brought out a tremendous out pouring of care and support. thank you for bringing the shawl ministry to our attention.
hi, I have a knitting group at my church and we might make the prayer shawls. Thanks for the directions. Katelin
I spoke to a director in our church today about starting a pray shawl ministry. She was very excited about it. I was checking on the internet and found your website, it really has been a great source of information. thank you. Please pray for the success of our ministry
I am a beginner in knitting/crochet. I would like to take a class on knitting/crochet.
What a lovely website. I love the beautiful colors, the wonderful encouraging instructions, and the very blessed idea of this ministry. I look forward to starting my first shawl
What an inspiration this website has been to me. Thank you, Dena
I am very interested in starting a prayer shawl ministry at our church. Thank you for the information on this web site. I would love to see us do some for our local needs as well as those requested on the site. Thank you for this opportunity of information. In Love of Christ
Our church, the Church of the Epiphany, is exploring the idea of beginning a shawl ministry. Keep us in your prayers.
I saw a book before Christmas on Prayer Shawls and was compelled to buy it. I felt guided to it. I am looking into starting a ministry in my church. This website was very inspiring to me that I can do this.
I ORDERED A PRAYER SHAWL BOOK BECAUSE IT HAD CROCHET ITEMS. LITTLE DID I KNOW THERE ACTUALLY WAS SUCH A MINISTRY. I CRIED WHEN I READ THE INSTRUCTION BOOK. I HAVE A DISABILITY AND HAD ASKED GOD WHAT COULD I DO SINCE I CAN NO LONGER WORK. I LOVE TO DO NEEDLE WORK. THIS IS NO ACCIDENT. I WILL TRY TO FIND A GROUP IN MY AREA OR START ONE. SUCH A RICH BLESSING FOR OTHERS. I FIND THIS JUST INCREDIBLE. PRAISE GOD FOR THIS MINISTRY AND FOR THOSE WHO GIVE UNSELFISHLY OF THEIR TIME TO HONOR FATHER GOD JEHOVAH WITH THEIR HANDS. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. LOVE MARY
I found your website easy to use and very helpful. We are beginning a prayer shawl ministry in our church, St. John's United Church of Christ in Martinsburg, PA. Please keep us in prayer as we begin this ministry. Blessings, Pastor Mary
I am interested in starting a prayer shawl group at my church, Thanks for your inspiration.
Thank you so very much for sharing and caring
I will be beginning my first prayer shawl, so was very happy to visit your site.
I have been a quilter for almost 30 years but re-discovered knitting in the last couple of years. I learned about prayer shawl ministry a few months ago, and found a local group to join. I have recently changed churches and I have asked my new church about starting a ministry. I have been invited to present the idea at their January committee meeting. I thought it would be something positive I could do for others since I lost my son about a year ago.
It was such a warm and heartfelt moment when I first learned of the shawl ministry. So many problems in today's world of people, and such a comforting way to bring some kind of solitude. I have been through so many of life's trials and tribulations. I cannot tell you how warm the concept of the prayer shawls made me feel. It is wonderful. I want to be one a prayer shawl knitter and giver. Precious are those that care.
My husband and I just received a prayer shawl today, sent by my sister-in-law. The event that precipitated this gift was a life-threatening illness my husband recently went thru. As a life long crocheter, I have created many blankets and shawls and each was endowed with my prayers for the intended recipient. So I understand the meaning of this gift and am very grateful for all the prayers that come along with it.
This project does more for me, than I ever expected when I volunteered to knit and crochet. They may not be perfect, but then life is rarely perfect. Thank You
I received one of your shawls today as a gift. See I lost my brother-in-law, October 2,2006, a sister from Squamous Cell cancer on January 17,2007 and grammy on April 23,2007, she died of liver cancer and a very dear friend of our family died of cancer this year. This Christmas don't look so bright and cheery for my husband and I year, we live off a fix income so we can't afford to go out buy all the extras for dinners and buy gifts, we barely can buy food each week or pay our bills. Loosing my sister from cancer hit me the hardest I just do not want to celebrate the holidays, I just want to get through the holidays and get them over with. Receiving the prayer shawl today was a very special gift, it is nice to know that someone is praying and understands the grieving I am going through. I will always miss my sister and she gave up a good fight with her battle with Cancer, my sister was 51 years old. I miss my sister so much, the holidays are going to be hard because she was only 51 years old and not going to be here with us this Christmas. Thank You
I wanted to tell you how blessed I have been with prayer shawl. It has been a new ministry for our church and we have made and sent out several. and the response is amazing. thank you it truly is a blessing.
Hello St. Paul's United Methodist Church is beginning a prayer shawl ministry. First, please pray for us. If you have any tips to help us we would appreciate it. Thanks so much
I made a prayer shawl for my mother-in-law who is battling ovarian cancer. I used a celery color, but each stitch I thought of her and what she is going through. I have a friend at my office who's wife (25 years old!) has stage 1 breast cancer. He just showed up at the office with a pink in dedication to her. This is a wonderful site!
A friend in my town told me about your site. I made two prayers shawls. One for my mother and one for my mother-in-law for their birthdays which are the same date, December 21. I will present them to the moms on that date. My friend Teresa and I spoke at our November Catholic Women's League meeting about your website and showed the ladies one of the shawls I had made. So, we are spreading the word about your special ministry!
My mother has been knitting baby caps and booties and donating them to a local hospital. I bought her the book _Knitting for Peace_ and she's interested in starting on shawls for convalescent home residents. Thanks for providing so much information about how to make shawls.
I'm 12 years old and I got in to knitting and crocheting years ago. I thought it might be fun!!! our church starts the ministry in January!!
Thank you for your wonderful website. I found this site after becoming interested in making a prayer shawl for a member of my church who is suffering from cancer. I found that I received a great blessing for simply making the shawl. Since then I have complete several more and intend to continue. The information provided on this site was been indispensable. Your friend in Christ, LaNiece
Hi, wonderful site! I will be asking my parish about starting a group at St. Mary's of Mount Carmel Church in Gloversville, NY. If there is interest, I will be back to add our site (and possibly ask for some advice for a new group). Thank You, Penny.
I enjoyed going thru the different things you have on this site. I just finished my 1st Prayer Shawl for a woman I use to be a neighbor of and babysat her children. She has pancreatic cancer. I found some variations of the trinity pattern on your site and I think I will make another one for a friend and will wait for the proper time to give it to him. I have just printed out your whole site!
I am using one of your patterns and prayers for a shawl I am making for my friend Bridgette, who is undergoing Chemo again after being cancer free for 12 years. Thanks for your inspirational prayers.
Hello I would just like to say that I was very intrigued when a client of mine showed me her prayer shawl. My pastor has a prayer robe and he really likes it.
I really like your web site. I am new to knitting and a prayer shawl/scarf is a great first project. Wakan Tanka Kici Un (May God Bless You)
This is a great ministry... I wanted something that I could do for those in my community. I started hearing about prayer shawls and started making them. Not only am I able to help the orphans around the world, but I am able to do something for those around me. One of the shawls that I made was for a woman who just lost her husband at 56. I did not know that blue was her husbands favorite color until I gave the shawl I made to her. God is awesome.
We are just beginning a prayer shawl ministry in our church. We appreciate all of your helpful suggestions.
Two years ago we started a shawl ministry at our Church. We are a small church and with a few hands knitting and crocheting and yet last year we gave away 65 prayer shawls. We have received cards from other churches in other states where some of our shawls found their way, stating that their church was also starting a shawl ministry. Thank you.
I went to a prayer shawl ministry workshop... I just am finishing my first prayer shawl. I'm not a very fast knitter! The facilitator urged us not to have a pre-conceived notion of who the shawl would go to. She said that the Spirit would lead us, and that is what happened to me. My shawl is going to a friend who has been having a rough time. After a divorce, she has had financial problems, teenage daughter problems, and now she has had a stroke. It just seemed as if she was the right one to receive the shawl. I visited your site to see some suggestions for prayers. I was given a shawl when I was undergoing cancer treatment, and it meant so much to me. I hope to pass that gift on to my friend.
I am hoping to start a prayer shawl ministry in my church what a great idea.
Thank you so very much. This site and your inspirations are so wonderful. God bless!
My sister, who lives in Diamondhead, MS was the recipient of one of your shawls made by a member of her church. I asked her to send me some information, she sent me her flyer, and I am most interested in getting a ministry started through my church. This is a wonderful idea and I look forward to being a part of it.
Your website is really great. I love the new patterns and an anxious to try out a few. Keep up the good work. I belong to Our Lady of Joy's Shawl Makers Group.
I have wanted to start a shawl ministry for quite some time. I finally have the honor to do so at the church my husband and I are joining. I feel so blessed to be able to do this work.
This looks like such a wonderful and awesome program. Some of our ladies (including our minister) have been creating these to give to lonely, sick or recovering neighbors. I haven't knit in 5 years due to hand/wrist pain, but if ever I am able to, I would like to create one of these shawls.
What a lovely idea. I am going to start one immediately.
Hi! I think this is a great program. I love to knit and have donated shawls at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sparta, Wis. Keep up the good work! God Bless You. Audrey
We are a group of women, called "Blanket Buddies" of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Burtonsville MD. We have been busy crocheting and knitting baby blankets for hospitals and winter hats and scarves for children being tutored by University of Maryland students, as well as bandages for Lutheran World Relief. We are excited about our new ministry - Prayer Shawl Ministry.
Thank you so much for inspiring me to begin making prayer shawls. I have completed three and am ready to begin on the next one. The satisfaction that I get from being able to pass on God's warm loving care to someone who is ill or in mourning, has helped me to become a much better person. Again, thank you and God bless.
Hello!! your web site is great, we wanted to start a shawl ministry in our community. I have found great advice and cant wait to start! Thank you for all your help!!
What a privilege it is to knit prayer shawls. I have knit some for friends, and some which are donated to my church and Hospice. I benefit by the peace I feel while knitting and praying, and I especially like knitting on the beach of Lake Erie. I also like listening to music while I knit.
Thanks for the inspiration- I can't wait to get started. AMT
Thank you and God bless you for providing this information. I started a prayer shawl for my elderly mother and while crocheting and praying I felt the love of the Lord surround me. I hope it gives her as much comfort as it has given me. I've already purchased more yarn and I'm thinking about who to give one to next.
This site has been so helpful for me. I have been crocheting prayer shawls for 5 years and have a story for each shawl. Thank you Rosemary
I love this web site, thank god for you and it. I am a crocheter and I have been crocheting sine I was 6 years old. I have been wanting a way that I can make things for the elderly and sick at my church and this is just perfect. i will continue from this day forward to pray for this ministry and the people that run it. God bless all of you and keep this website going. thank you
As a new member of the shawl ministry I found your web site very useful, it was interesting to read everyone's ideas and comments, I'm going to try to crochet in some beads next time ! God Bless
I think this is a great ministry and I can't wait to make my first shawl.
I was introduced to Shawl-Knitting Ministry a month ago. I find this ministry very rewarding and really enjoy the happiness I see on the faces of the elderly when we give them a shawl. May God bless all who take part in this wonderful ministry.
I am very excited as our church's prayer shawl ministry starts tomorrow. It will be open to anyone who wants to crochet, knit, etc. prayer shawls. We are starting small and hopefuly we will grow.
This is a great website - lots of good information here! Thanks! God Bless
I enjoyed looking at all of your information. I have been making Prayer Shawls now for about 2 1/2 years. The people who have received them really enjoyed them. They have been given to both men & women.
I belong to a shawl ministry group at the First Congregational UCC in Appleton, Wisconsin. This has been a blessing in our lives (as the crafters) and to those who receive our shawls. Thank you for your inspiration in our ministries. Steph
Found the information on prayer shawls most interesting. Read about prayer shawls in a South Australian knitting publication - first time I knew about them. So looked on the internet for more information. Very good - I am going to suggest to our 8 knitters from our local Uniting church that they may like to knit prayer shawls. We knit for World vision, Women's and children's hospital in Adelaide, South Australia and for a Mission for homeless men also in Adelaide. We get a lot of support from the local community as the older women like to knit for us. We give them wool as many receive a social security pension. So far we have had lots of either wool or some money donated to us. Sincerely Anne Cooper
I made a shawl for my adopted daughter for the day she joined the Morman church. This is not our family church but it doesn't matter, she has found Jesus and that is what is important. She is a recovered cocaine addict with 14 years clean and 5 beautiful children. We are very proud of her.
Read about your website in Today's Christian Woman. Been crocheting for 15 years and I look forward to being able to create a prayer shawl for someone soon.
I have been trying to find something I can do to share in all the Blessing I have received, by giving back. My daughter in-law recently received a prayer cloth and I though what a wonderful idea. I found your website and am so inspired. Bless you all. Now i can begin to share my gift.
Hello! I've recently taken up knitting and enjoy it very much. I've had it on my mind to knit shawls as gifts to comfort. While looking for patterns I came upon your book about, "Prayer Shawls"---what a wonderful concept!... I'm a Christian from California and see this as a wonderful thing to do for people who are hurting. Thank you for what you do! Laura
We have recently met to start a prayer shawl ministry at St. Mary's church in Westfield. We had 8 people attend our first gathering. I would like some information on keeping a journal. I did not find anything of that like on your web-site. Thank you for all the inspiration and valuable help in getting us started.
I really enjoy making shawls for others because crocheting and knitting are my thing. A special craft store had many of us make scarves for our service men in Iraq because it gets really cold this time of year and while doing that I just applied the principles of shawl ministry to those scarves. I really like this program and another friend in my church turned me on to it and I would like to start a group through our church. I did get the specifics out of this website to work with will let you know how we make out.
Love this idea! I just started making a shawl for a dear friend who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. She also is dealing with her husband being sick and needing surgery soon.
I love to knit. I will knit, and send a shawl with love when I can. Meantime, thank you for this work.
I made a prayer shawl for a friend/co-worker who has been living with cancer for 5+ years now. God has been with her and she has been strong in her belief and her fight. Her birthday is this weekend and they are having a surprise party for her. I crocheted this to let her know she is in my prayers and to give her hugs every time she wears it.
This is a beautiful site. Thank you so much for the information here. I've made my first prayer shawl for a very sick friend, and although I didn't really know what I was doing, I seemed to have been guided by belief. I used a pattern of three, but not in the ways described here, rather three panels of shells. It is beautiful, and infused with love, respect for her situation in life, and prayer for her to continue in grace. In Mary's Holy Name... Peace.
I am just beginning a prayer shawl with a group from my church. I am real excited about making this prayer shawl. I am making it for a lady that I visit at the nursing home. She is 94 years old! Can't wait till I get it finished.
Our church has a prayer shawl ministry and I'm happy to crochet shawls. Our church members really appreciate them. thank-you for all you've done. I appreciate the patterns and all the other information. God Bless.
Asking for your prayers as we begin a new Prayer Shawl Ministry at Santa Catalina Parish in Catalina, AZ.
I am interested in starting a prayer shawl ministry on Block Island. I am an active member of the faith community of St. Ann's By-the-Sea Episcopal Mission. I need some guidance on beginning a prayer shawl ministry and am happy to have found your website! Erica
My most cherished and dearest friend, Kathy Janoff, (Garden City New York) said I should visit your site. I think this is a wonderful ministry and am very excited about telling Norma Chislett about it. She is the chairlady of our Woman's Guild (All Souls Benoni South Africa). They knit and crochet clothes for AIDS sufferers. Bless you all.
Thank you so much for your Shawl Ministry. A new friend told me about it... I also used your web site for additional information and prayers. The day after I received the instructions, I learned of a family member's illness. During the rent fires in San Diego, I crocheted the shawl for her. It was a very difficult time and this made it bearable. Thank you very much...I will mail my shawl today and hope it brings her comfort and hearing.
A friend of mine is having breast cancer surgery soon. I was looking for a pattern to crochet that was fast and easy. Wanted to give her a prayer shawl before her surgery. Thanks to everyone who has submitted patterns and all the helpful tips.
Thank you for your wonderful website. One of our Methodist Churches has this ministry. I am not able to be a part of the group as it meets while I am at work. I have knitted on my own 2 shawls for friends who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I printed a prayer to say before I begin knitting when I come home from school (I teach special needs students). Again thank you.
Inspiring site. I just joined a group at my church, Daylesford Abbey, in Paoli, PA. A dozen or so women have made well over 100 shawls...remarkable and so helpful for the recipients.
Thank You so much for your inspiration. Our Church has just started a Shawl Ministry, and I am very excited to put my hands to work in the Glory of God for others. Many prayers for comfort and heart felt warmth are being "stitched with love" for those in need. God Bless All who toil, and care for others.
I am so happy our prayer shawl ministry leader sent me the link to this website :) I was not aware of the meaning of our shawls until now. I can't wait to finish my newest creation and give it to someone with love and prayers of comfort.
Just found your site. I Love it. Will return many times I am sure. Will be starting up a group. Thank for your many suggestions.
A friend sent me an e-mail about your ministry. I was encouraged! Since there was no group where I live to join, I started on my own. I'm starting my third shawl.
This is such a beautiful ministry. I have a friend who told me about it a year ago. I am interested in beginning. Thank you so much!
I am wrapped in Peace and Joy when I am wrapped in the lovely Prayer shawl given to me by Vicki's mother, Gladys Cole, last spring. The color reminds me of the color of the Gulf of Mexico near my former home in Florida. I am living in the desert now, but the mornings and evenings are cool and my shawl takes the chill away. I am going to introduce this website to the Women's Guild at my parish, the Prince of Peace Roman Catholic church of Sun City West, AZ. God Bless you. Judy Jensen
I am a ministry of one. Our church is so small that I do the knitting/crocheting and the other women pray with me over the finished shawl. It all started when a cousin, a niece, and the daughter of a friend all were diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to let them know in a positive way that I was praying for them. That every time they wrapped the shawl around them someone had put them in remembrance of the loving Father and Son.
I have your book and I love your web site. Thank you for beginning a wonderful ministry.
I have recently joined a church and there is a shawl ministry there. I plan to make my first shawl in the near future. What a giving and loving gesture this organization stands for! I will be proud to be a part of it. God bless..
I was thrilled to find your web page. I started a prayer shawl ministry at our church about 5 months ago. There are five ladies in our group. Approximately 11 shawls have been given to those hospitalized, etc. Since the cost of the yarn is high, we asked our ladies group to donate yarn or money with which to purchase yarn. They were very generous. We have made some shawls using leftover scraps of yarn---very beautiful stripped shawls. We pray as we are making them, pray over the shawl before we gift it to someone and pray for the person as we give it to them. We also include a card explaining the "Prayer Shawl Ministry". We have had MANY positive comments and letters of appreciation from the recipients.
i love this ministry!
I have crocheted many afghans and baby blankets over the years. Since learning about this ministry I have dedicated my hand work to it. Now each recipient receives a prayer card from me along with the color choice meaning. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this special ministry. God's Blessings to all who work in this ministry to bring joy and meaning to others.
I am very excited to be initiating a Prayer Shawl Ministry here in Chicago at our church, St Peter's Episcopal. Your website is absolutely beautiful and has a wealth of information. I will visit again and again!!
I think this is a wonderful idea. I am thinking about starting a ministry in my church. God has been talking to me about using my talent to help others in their time of need. Thank you!
I love this I am planning on making my first shall for my mother in-law. But i would like to continue for all those in need in my area. Thank you and GOD BLESS
I was so excited about the Shawl Ministry. Another way God is working through us! I will be starting on my first shawl and am very excited to spread the word! Thank you so much!
I was at the retreat in Columbus, Oh Oct 7th. and it was wonderful... Thanks for coming and sharing... For me, it was also a "healing". Bless you in your continued work.
Recently I picked up the book "Knitting Into The Mystery" at a retreat center. After skimming through it, a friend read it and we decided to start a prayer shawl ministry. It is ecumenical. A Catholic church and a Lutheran church. What a heart warming effect it has brought to me!! My 5th shawl will be done soon. We have 10 members now, and enjoy being together once a month.
A group of Methodist ladies has begun a new circle with missions as our focus. One of our first projects is prayer shawls for shut ins and nursing home residents. I learned of the prayer shawl ministry from a Methodist friend in Columbus, GA whose group there has been involved in this ministry for several years (and many, many shawls). Thank you for such a warm, comforting outreach.
I want to expressly thank Marguerita L. of Louisiana for providing me with the most beautiful shawl that I have ever seen!!! I could definitely feel the prayerful blessings that her group prayed over the shawl before they sent it to me. Thank you for that sense of community when I pray with the shawl! That provides me with such a sense of co