"Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.
They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify.
Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles…”
Written in 1998 by: Janet Bristow © 2006
For additional information on the history of Prayer Shawl Ministries, visit www.shawlministry.com .
Our mission is to provide hope, comfort, and healing to those who most need a reminder of God's love for them through the work of our hands and the prayers in our hearts.
Praying With a Prayer Shawl
A prayer shawl is intended to be a reminder of God’s ever present love which is as near to you as your own body is to your spirit. It is a gift for every time and every occasion—joyful or sorrowful, for every season and circumstance of life—chosen or unchosen, when you are weeping or when you are celebrating.
Wear it in times of private prayer. Let it rest on your shoulders as you work or play or read or rest. Wear it to worship.
Wear it whenever you are drawn to prayer or when you have no interest in prayer but would like to be reminded of God’s loving presence and care. Wear the shawl however you like. Drape it lightly across your shoulders. Wrap yourself tightly in it or wear it on your head. Cover yourself with it as you rest. Keep it on your favorite chair.
At times you may cling to a prayer shawl because you are clinging to God; you may not want to be far from it. At other times you will touch it only occasionally. You may want to keep it always; or someday you may feel prompted by God to pass it on to someone else.
May you grow in your awareness of God’s blessing, resting upon you in all places and at all times, enabling you to be God’s person in the world.
Meetings
We meet on the first Sunday of every month in the Parish Ministry Center at 1:15 PM. At these meetings, we share the stories of the people who have received shawls, discuss challenges and successes with our current projects, enjoy each other's company, and bless the completed shawls.
On Sunday the Ministry Center closes at 1:30 pm.
If you are running late, please ring the door bell and we will open the door for you.
Also, please watch the bulletin for change in meeting dates or times.
Our ministry is open to everyone—even if you don't have the time to attend the meetings! Shawls can be created at home on your own time and at your own speed.
Instructions for making prayer shawl can be found here.
Giving a Prayer Shawl
Do you know someone who is in need of a prayer shawl? Perhaps he or she is undergoing a physical or emotional challenge. Perhaps he or she has experienced a personal loss. Perhaps he or she just needs a tangible reminder that there are people who care, and that God continuously wraps each and every one
of us in His awesome love!
To obtain a shawl for a loved one or to become involved in this ministry, contact Marie Staffa
at 847-885-7700 x124.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
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