Oh Cathy, i've never heard of a prayer shawl, that shounds incredibly awesome! I know the lap quilt Henry made me, every time i wrap up in it, it feels like a prayer quilt, like prayers are being said for me. That is an awesome idea you have, to give to the pastoral team, there is nothing people like better, than the comfort of a quilt wrapped around them. You are too awesome! Show us pictures when you get some done for sure!!! :) :) :)

Cathy ~ I am the coordinator of The Prayer Shawl Ministry at our church. It is truly a very meaningful ministry! When I started the group, I got most of my information from the world wide website: www.shawlministry.com/ Yes, most of the shawls are knit or crochet, but a quilted shawl would be wonderful as well. The shawls made by the women in my group are as unique and beautiful as the person who creates them. Some are rectangular, some are triangular, some are a small wrap and others are the size of a lap robe. There are really no "rules", per se, other than it should be created prayerfully, comfortable to the touch, and easy care machine wash & dry. As I say to my ministers, this is no time to invest in scratchy wool that needs to be hand washed and blocked! A simple lap sized quilt done in soft flannels would be perfect. Please do not hesitate to PM me if you would like any more information. I think you will find the website helpful and inspiring. Again, this is a beautiful ministry and I'm excited to see it grow. Bless you, bless you, bless you ~ Nita

This is going to be so fun! I will certainly post a picture when the idea gets jelled out :):) Right now its a rumblin' around in my brain for a pattern hahahaa...

prayer shawls are a true blessing. When my then 7 1/2 year old DD has surgery last year, she received a prayer shawl from our Ministry at church. The woman who picked it out went into the storage area, prayed about which one to choose, chose it and then gave it to my daughter. Ended up that my daughter's school secretary was the one who knitted it! What a God-thing! It's been almost a year and the shawl is still on the foot of her bed...and will go to the hospital with her for her next surgery in March!

Blessings to you!

I agree, God does guide us in these things. To me its always amazing when I shut up and actually listen, the answer is there :) :)

I think there are lots of patterns you could use that could symbolize dif things. For instance, diamond patterns, diamonds can represent the love and strength of god, 9 patch chains, can symbolize that we are not alone, we are all linked together, hearts, flowers, all these things, you will find something to portray your special message, and it will be beautiful. A quilt label with a prayer or scripture verse, all these things, whatever you think of, will make your quilts precious :)

Hey Barb M- those are great ideas :) :) :) thank you :)

What a wonderful gift a quilted prayer shawl would be.

Cathy ~ My ministry attaches a Presentation Tag to each prayer shawl we give. It reads as such:

This shawl was handmade for you.
As it was created, I prayed for you.
I asked the Lord to heal you
in body, mind, and spirit.
When you wear this shawl
may you be cradled in hope,
kept in joy,
graced with peace,
and wrapped in love.

Prayerfully made by
____(insert name)___________

Unfortunately, it is a bit "wordy' to use for a quilt label. but you could make a pretty tag to attach to your quilted shawl. Ours looks sort of like a bookmark, made out of layered card stock, pretty sticker, ribbon to attach (my passion before quilting was rubber stamping/card making).
Nita

Nita- thank you so much for your post. What a kind prayer- you know, everyday I am reminded of how wonderful people are on this earth. :) :) :)