A Sentiment

God knew what He was doing when He sent a gentle breeze and brought a lovely butterfly to set my heart at ease. The happiness of your friendship and the gentleness of your words have touched my life in special ways and now I feel assured. Thank you for your loyalty and for reading everyday. I only hope you find things to make a happy day.

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Prayer Shawl

Our Church makes prayer shawls for people who are ill, in the hospital, graduating kids, confirmation classes, couples getting married, shut ins...anyone who needs some comfort and knowing the fact that our Church is wrapping it's arms around you to bless you. I received a prayer shawl when I had brain surgery. I can't tell you how I felt when those ladies gave it to me. To know that someone actually thought of me and prayed for me...then went on to make something so comforting....was such a blessing at that time.


"Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing,
symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.
They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace,
mother, hug, shelter and beautify.
Those who have received these shawls have been 
uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to 
fly above their troubles..."

  Written in 1998 by: Janet Bristow Copyright ©2012

The 3-stitch seed pattern was selected as symbolic of planting peace, healing, love, comfort and hope into the shawls by the shawl maker for the receiver.  May you be inspired by the significance of these symbolisms which are meant to enhance the creating and receiving process of the Prayer Shawl Ministry.   



BLUE - water, healing, meditation, tranquility, honesty, loyalty, communication, peace,
              sincerity, wisdom, spirituality, faith, self-esteem, universal color, cool & calming



I had a call from my cousin this week. This is a cousin that I grew up with. We were toddlers together, then grade school girls learning all the things that kids do in school. When it came time for junior high school, we were together again and then on to high school....where we were in the same group of girl friends. She was my maid of honor and I cut her wedding cake. We raised our kids together sometimes by telephone. We got together for family events. We used to meet with all our high school pals and their kids for a picnic in the summer. Later on her husband died and then about a year later mine died too. She moved away then and I remarried. We still managed to see each other and most times talk on the phone.  She had cancer a few years ago and she called this week to say that it was back. This time in her colon and liver. She lives in another state and I felt so far away from her. I just wanted to give her a hug and say that things would be all right. As I hung up the phone, I thought... what can I do for her? I immediately said a prayer for her and then remembered the prayer shawl that I had been given. I sat at my computer and ordered some yarn from WalMart and it came the next day. I'm working on it now and whenever my hands hurt while knitting, I think of her and the mountain that she has to climb. I'm making it in her favorite color and hope that I finish it soon. I could have sent her mine, but I wanted to keep my hands busy....This is how a prayer shawl begins. You weave prayers into the shawl as you knit. Begin with a prayer for blessing the shawl. Then, pray for the person who will receive the shawl, as you are making the shawl. I hope I can inspire someone to make a prayer shawl...maybe even for someone you don't know. Most churches have a prayer shawl ministry and would welcome you or your contribution of a shawl that you made. There's such a feeling of comfort as you count the stitches and see it growing. I hope and pray that my cousin can fight this dreadful disease. She's starting the fight of her life.....and maybe my shawl will be here to comfort her.
Balisha 

7 comments:

acorn hollow said...

What a beautiful gift. prayers going out to your cousin.
Cathy

Marilyn Miller said...

My church has a prayer shawl ministry also.

Judy said...

I do love making prayer shawls--it has been a few years since I have. They ARE a comfort to the person who receives them and also to the maker of the shawl.

Barbee' said...

I'm sure it will be a comfort to her, and to you.

Barbee' said...

I googled "3-stitch seed pattern", and found a lot of information about it and about the prayer shawls. This was new to me, but I think it is wonderful!

Balisha said...

Shawls have been worn since Bible times...to keep people warm, and to comfort.Some find that just holding a shawl is a comfort...just like a child's favorite blanket. You can see a child just melt into his blanket when he needs soothing. I hope that these shawls serve the same purpose.

Balisha

Jan said...

When I was in the hospital for a week with an emergency appendectomy, my daughter-in-laws sister brought me a prayer shawl made by the ladies from her church. So much love is stitched into them!