In 1997, two friends gave birth to a ministry that would fuse knitting and prayer. Called the Prayer Shawl Ministry, it has spread worldwide and has attracted many faiths. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is ecumenical; it speaks of many faiths and traditions. The shawls are made for battered women at the local shelter, cancer patients in hospitals, and for people facing tough times. The shawls are also given away for milestones and joyful times.


     Ethel Yezdanian knitting a prayer shawl

Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The shawls can be knitted, crocheted, quilted, woven or machine knitted. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Some recipients of the shawls have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it onto someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from person–to–person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets at 1:00 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month in the Church Fellowship Hall. If you would like more information please contact Ethel Yezdanian.

Prayer Shawl Dedication Prayer

Pastor Ed Rutenkroger, OSL blessing hand crafted prayer shawls during Sunday service. Pastor Ed said the following Prayer over the shawls:

“Dear Lord, as we worship together this morning, we thank you for your loving hands which have knit the fabric of our life.

On this day, we thank you for the loving hands of those who created these prayer shawls. We are thankful that you hear and answer our prayers of comfort and healing for those who will receive these shawls.

We pray that you will continue to strengthen, comfort, and bless those who make these shawls, those who receive them, and the families whose lives are touched as we travel this road of life together.

We dedicate these prayer shawls to your glory. Lord, knowing your great love for all your precious children, and we thank you, for guiding the hands that have made them. We pray these things in the name of our Trine God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen”

The prayer shawls were made by members of New Hope United Methodist Church. The shawls were given to people in need of comfort and solace as well as in celebration and joy.