Covered in Prayer
Methodist Church
The Prayer Shawl Ministry began at First United Methodist Church with a group of women who enjoy handwork and were inspired to begin the ministry at the suggestion of the Worship Committee. Ministry members meet monthly in the Church Parlor to share projects and pray over the shawls or other comfort items they have created.
Besides knitting and crocheting, comfort items may also include woven, sewn, quilted, or machine knitted afghans, lap robes or ponchos. Members from all churches in the Nevada area are encouraged to participate. Congregation members are encouraged to submit a nomination form (available in the Church Office) when they know of someone who would benefit from a gift of prayer and comfort.
Prayer and love of handwork have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are knitted or crocheted into every comfort item. The maker begins each comfort item with prayers for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the comfort item. When the comfort item is completed it is offered a final ritual before being sent along its way.
As the comfort item is sent along, some recipients have continued the kindness by making one themselves and passing it onto someone in need.
Thus, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!
“You created every part of me,
knitting me in my
Mother’s womb.
For such handiwork,
I praise you. Awesome this
great wonder!”
Psalm 139:13-14
A prayer shawl is meant to bring comfort to you, the wearer and an awareness of God's presence in your daily life. God knows your deepest needs and you can trust His promise to sustain you.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry at First United Methodist Church makes shawls, afghans, lap quilts, and other comfort items depending on the age and circumstances of the recipient.
The person who made your item prayed while they were making it. That person may not have known your name or your circumstances but their prayer was that this item would bring you God’s comfort for the challenges you are facing.
At the last meeting of our ministry, we gathered in a circle to bless this gift. This gift passed through our praying hands and was blessed by our loving hearts.
Remember when you rest your gift on your shoulders or across your lap, you are covered in prayer as well as the love of your church family. Wear it for its beauty, for its warmth, for its solace, for comfort in prayer.
Whether in times of distress or moments of joy, please know that this gift is offered to you in
God’s love.
“Blessed be
the Ties that Bind”