How to Organize a Prayer Shawl Ministry
A prayer shawl ministry creates prayer shawls for those who are sick, in need of comfort or those who minister to others through the ministry of prayer. Members of the prayer shawl ministry knit, crochet or sew the shawls as they pray for those who receive the shawls. The craftsperson bathes the shawl in prayer as they make each stitch or step in the pattern. Churches and ministry groups that undertake this kind of work use donated materials so ministry workers don't have to pay for the supplies. The donations allow the shawls to be given to recipients rather than sold.
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Instructions
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Poll your church or ministry group and see how many knitters, crocheters and other interested workers you may have. Remember that not everyone in the ministry has to make the shawls. You will need individuals who can donate materials, a program overseer, a teacher to instruct your artisans in the making of your shawls and someone who tracks prayer shawl requests and who is working on a specific shawl.
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Solicit people to donate the materials. Place an announcement in the ministry's bulletin if there is one, announce it from the pulpit, put up a display in the church foyer with a completed prayer shawl and speak in person at various church group events. Create a handout about the kind of yarn or material you want and how you want it delivered. For example, specify only new yarn and the amount you'll need to make a single prayer shawl.
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Educate the church about how to request a prayer shawl. Create a form for requests that includes the name of the requestor and recipient, the recipient's need, the request date, who undertakes the shawl, completion and delivery date. Place the request forms near a collection box where donors drop off supplies.
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Train your workers. Use a uniform pattern so you know exactly how much material each shawl requires. Demonstrate the pattern and a suggested format for infusing the shawl with love and prayer. Schedule working days for those who want to work in a group. This allows new members to receive help until they feel confident enough to work on their own.
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Create a prayer list so members of the ministry can pray for those who request it. A weekly email keeps ministry members current on prayer requests. Keep the lists confidential, unless you receive permission from the recipient to share their need with others. (Donors and prayer warriors can accomplish this as well as your craftspeople.)
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Involve members in a dedication service for each prayer shawl. Do this at monthly meetings or have a team that meets to do this. After members dedicate the shawls, send them out to the recipients with a card that explains the shawl and prayer process, how to care for the shawl and a short prayer.
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Tips & Warnings
Use soft, snuggly yarns or fabrics.
Request nonsmoking workers.
References
- Photo Credit Goodshoot RF/Goodshoot/Getty Images
