Prayer Shawls

A ministry to wrap people in prayer

Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.

Psalm 139:5

You can help:

Volunteer to knit or crochet.
Furnish the names of congregation members who are in need because of serious illness, grief or are in transition (Resquest forms are available in narthex)
Donate $15 to cover the cost of yarn for one shawl or donate 3 skeins of the same color Lion Brand Homespun yarn.

Praying through our fingers…
As we being to knit or crochet, cotinuing throughout, and upon completion, invite God’s bountiful blessings, for healing, hope, comfort, gentle caregivers, peace of mind and soul for the recipient of your shawl.

Making a Prayer Shawl….
Prayer shawl ministry is a way to care for people who are suffering, wrapping them in the prayer and love that is part of each piece we create. We can help both friends and strangers feel Jesus surrounding them with His loving presence through the prayers that go into our craft and that continue during and after the presentation of the shawl. When we crochet or knit, we begin with prayer and go on praying for the recipient, using prayers provided or those of our own. Our prayers can deeply touch the life of someone who is ill and become a visible symbol of Jesus’ love and care.

Yarn choice must be machine washable and dryable as well as soft. Lion Brand Homespun works well. Pick any color, or color combination, to create a piece that will provide physical and spiritual warmth and express your prayer for the recipient.

When it’s done, it will be professionally cleaned, blessed, and given to someone in need.

Knitting Materials and Pattern…
Materials:
Size 11 or 13 knitting needles
3 skeins of Lion Brand Homespun(Yarn choice must be machine washable and dryable, as well as soft).

Pattern:
Cast on 57 stitches.
First row, and all subsequent rows, Knit 3, purl 3, to the end.
Continue until desired length: 68”– 72”.
The shawl should be large enough in size to wrap around a person, at least 24” by 68”, bind off.
Do not add fringe because Homespun frays when washed, and fringe tends to tangle in wheel chairs.

For more ideas and tips go to: www.shawlministry.com

Crocheting Materials and Pattern...
Materials:
Size “N” hook.
3-4 skeins of yarn, depending on the weight, and skein size. Crocheting uses more than knitting.

Pattern:
Chain stitch to desired width of the piece—20 inches for a shawl.
Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch to the end.
Chain 3 and turn.
Double crochet in top of each single crochet.
Repeat this row 2 more times.
Chain 1 and do 1 row of single crochet to end.
Chain 3 and turn.
Do 3 rows of double crochet.
Repeat the pattern to end (1 row single, 3 rows double).
End with 1 row of single.
Finished size should be approximately 20 x 45 inches for a shawl.
Fringe is not needed, though shawls usually are fringed.
Small changes that express your creativity are fine!

Finished Shawls:
Please attach fiber content and washing instructions with your shawl. If you knit with a recipient in mind, please attach a card with the recipient’s name and address when you turn the shawl in for its final blessing. There is no time limit to finish your shawl. Finished shawls may be brought to the Church Office.