I thought a Prayer Shawl had something to do with someone's praying, but thick headed ME, found out that the prayer shawl was made by a group of folks that PRAYED over the shawl/blanket before presenting it in hopes that the prayers would be conveyed to recipient. For a short time I was part of a group that knitted prayer shawls and witnessed one lady in particular soulfully praying over a shawl we had completed and it was a very moving experience. Too, I've heard through this group that those that received the shawls were greatly comforted by them.