The First Prayer Shawl Ministry

For centuries, women have been wrapping themselves in shawls for warmth and protection, comfort and beauty. Babies have been bundled in them, too. In the Jewish culture, men use four-cornered, fringed shawls called tallith during prayers. A shawl is universal, every culture wraps itself in cloth.

Janet Bristow

It all began in 1998, when two women found a simple heartfelt way to reach out to people in need of peace. The intent behind this ministry is not just to knit shawls of comfort for people in sorrow or shawls of joy for those in celebration, but to do so mindfully, lovingly, and prayerfully.

As knitters work their needles…they are mindful of the recipient, whether known or unknown, and think about the person and pray for them. The blessings of the ministry are three-fold: the shawl-maker, the recipient and the community surrounding the ministry.

Resource: Knitting for Peace

Prayer Shawl Ministry At Calvary

It all began in the fall of 2004 when members of the Parish Health Ministry shared information about other congregations who had the ministry and how meaningful and spiritual it was for all involved. The seed was planted.

Yarn was purchased…with parish health funds (knitters have also donated yarn), patterns printed and knitters recruited. Over the years many shawls have been gifted to people in need of peace in joy and sorrow: members of Calvary, the community and as far away as Texas. A card with an appropriate prayer accompanies the shawl.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry continues as knitters continue to work their needles and shawls are gifted. Any member of Calvary may gift a shawl; there is no cost; it is a gift. Shawls for gifting may be found in the Mary Magdalene Room. Prayer shawl instructions and sample patterns.

For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13