Last March (2020) when Covid-19 started infiltrating our world and we began to isolate ourselves, I decided it might be a good time to start knitting a prayer shawl. I didn’t have a specific person in mind as I started knitting. The finished shawl would go to our care pastor at church, to give to someone as needed.
I used yarn a friend had given to me. The yarn created a unique pattern. It made for an interesting prayer shawl that I hope will lift someone’s spirits.
As it turned out, knitting ended up not being something I was inclined to work on a lot during the pandemic. But, after almost a year, I finished the prayer shawl.
Years ago, I knit several prayer shawls…some for specific people, others for the pastor to give out. At that time, when there were several people knitting prayer shawls, a man from our congregation joined in knitting shawls. He happened to be my son’s mentor through a church program, and he gave a prayer shawl he had knitted to my son. It was a special blessing. I also received a prayer shawl when my mother died.
I don’t remember anyone showing me how to knit. I think I learned from a magazine article, when I was a teenager. I believe the magazine was titled Seventeen but I can’t find the magazine’s name (or date) anywhere on the article to confirm this. I still have this article in my knitting bag and sometimes refer to its simplistic instructions for knitting.
The brochure that used to be handed out with a prayer shawl (and maybe still is) begins; “A prayer shawl is intended to be a reminder of God’s ever-present love which is as near to you as your own body is to your sprit. It is a fit for every time and every occasion – joyful or sorrowful, for every season and circumstance of life – chose or unchosen, when you are weeping or when you are celebrating”…
It includes this scripture and a special prayer:
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139
I hope the finished prayer shawl will be a blessing to someone who needs some encouragement these days.
Your prayer shawl is stunningly beautiful. That it took you a year to complete matters not. The work and love of your hands will surely bless someone. Prayer shawls are such a tangible way to show love. I’m glad they’ve “caught on.”
Several years ago I received a homemade quilt from a nonprofit in town that was helping me through a really rough patch. It was made from old blue jeans with a fleece backing. To this day that quilt reminds me of the love and care of the people in this organization, how they lifted and encouraged me. Plus, the quilt is the warmest blanket I own and is much-appreciated on a subzero Minnesota night.
Thank you Audrey.
Thanks for sharing the story of your jean quilt and how it comforts you.
I made a jean quilt for each of my sons when they graduated from high school. The quilts were heavy indeed.
I have done prayer shawls !
I wonder where my knitting bag and needles are !
One of my first knitting patterns was for
an afghan. It came from a family who came to MN from Sicily.
With that pattern I knit a smaller afghan for my mother to use when she was in a wheel chair suffering from arthritis for 30 years. It kept her knees cosy warm.
O Kay, I did not know your mom was in a wheel chair for 30 years. I’m sure your knitted afghan was a special gift and much appreciated by her. What a blessing.
I remember ‘Seventeen’ magazine… is it still around??
Love the interesting way the shawl colors came out – perfect I think for a prayer shawl
Thanks.
Yes, the magazine is still around but looks a lot different than when we were pursuing it. 😉
You inspire me to “ find something to do that will bless someone else !”
What a beautiful prayer shawl! I’m certain that anyone who receives it will love it! About twenty years ago you made a prayer shawl for me when I was going through a particularly sad time in my life. I still have it on the back of my favorite chair and use it often. You are a blessing to so many Valerie!
Thank you Shirley, how sweet of you.
I remember when you gave me one years ago and I still use it! I love that it came from you!
Thanks so much!
You’re welcome!
Fun to know! 😉
Thank you Sheri.
Valerie, your prayer shawl is beautiful. Sometimes the yarn is willing to be a part of the creative beauty of a piece. Your yarn certainly served that cause.
I think any time we practice an art form with love in our heart, that work carries the love with it. I am sure your prayer shawl will bless and comfort whomever it finds its way to. Thanks for sharing–it reminds all of us that giving is a powerful force for good!