Knit Shawl Patterns for Prayer

THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

In 1998, two women who were seminary graduates - and who loved knitting - began what's come to be know as the 'prayer shawl' ministry.

This ministry offers knit shawl patterns to knitters who knit shawls, while knitting 'blessings' into every stitch to comfort and give solace to those in need.

The knitter begins each of the knit shawl patterns with prayers and blessings for the recipient (even if he or she is not known yet). Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. When the shawl is completed, the knitter offers it a final prayer ritual before being sent to the Prayer Shawl ministry for distribution.

KNIT SHAWL PATTERNS FOR COMFORT

Some of the uses for these knit shawl patterns as prayer shawls include:

- for someone who is undergoing serious medical procedures or cancer treatments
- for someone who has experienced a loss
- for someone who is going into a meditation or silent retreat
- for someone who is giving birth or nursing a baby
- for someone who is nurturing an ill child
- for someone going through menopause
- for someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimers or dementia, or a fatal disease

Some knit shawl patterns have made their way to recipients who have loved the idea so much that they make one themselves and pass it on to someone else in need. Thus, the blessing has a 'ripple' effect from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional warmth, comfort or shelter of a loving presence!