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.

Blessing Of The Prayer Shawls

Pastor Bill Masciangelo blessing four hand crafted prayer shawls one Sunday. The following prayer was said over the shawls:

“May God’s grace be upon these shawls…warming, comforting, enfolding, and embracing. May these mantles be a safe haven…a sacred place of security and well–being…sustaining and embracing in good times as well as difficult ones. May you who receive these shawls be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with Peace, and wrapped in love. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the 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.