Prayer Shawl Ministry

The purpose of LCOS' Prayer Shawl Ministry is to reach out to those in need with a shawl made with prayer and love, to comfort, console, and strengthen our family of faith.  A shawl is a tangible reminder of God’s promise to always be with us.  They are called prayer shawls because the making of the shawl is a spiritual practice for the crafter.  A prayer is said as the shawl is begun and then many prayers are added with the stitches.  Recipients may be known or unknown to the crafter, and a card accompanies the shawl, which tells the receiver that many people have been praying for them and will continue to do so.  Each shawl is a blend of prayers, talents, gifts and grace. Shawls are knitted or crocheted in various patterns.  They are freely given with no strings attached.  They are not for sale.  They are gifts of love.

From www.shawlministry.com:

“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. 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.”

Since it's start in 2008, over 120 shawls have been created and distributed to people in the US and even England.  Recipients are members of LCOS, non-members, friends, relatives, and those in hospitals and nursing homes.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the church library for a time of devotions and prayer.  We then work on our projects, swap tips and ideas, and enjoy a time of fellowship.  Completed shawls are blessed and wrapped for delivery.  Several crafters who cannot attend these meetings work on shawls at home and bring them to the church to be blessed and distributed.

For a copy of our Prayer Shawl Handbook with patterns and information, click here (this is a .pdf version).  Contact Sister Deb for more information.