MY CHRISTIAN PRAYER SHAWL

Kymber asked me to put a picture of my Christian Prayer Shawl on, so here it is.  The top shows the full shawl which is about 60 inches long and 15 inches wide.  I tried to show a better shot of the end in the second picture.  The third is a close up of the design.  It is mostly white, but there is a very small streak of silver in some of the lines coming down.  The last picture is of the shawl folded up.

I have always wanted a prayer shawl since I read about them.  Some of the ladies in our church made them where you could take them home, use them, but bring them back and they were passed on to someone else to use.

When I went to the Presbyterian Church the other day, I saw them hanging and didn't know what they were.  When the Pastor came in I told her how pretty they are.  She asked me if I prayed and I said yes.  She explained they were prayer shawls and told me to pick one.  When I was slow picking one out, she took the most beautiful one and gave it to me.  I asked her when did I have to bring it back by and she told me it was mine to keep-I never had to bring it back.  I was thrilled and I still haven't gotten over it yet. It was so kind of the Pastor to give it to me as I don't go to that church, I was there on business.

Before putting the post on, I wanted to find more information to pass it on to you:
In 1998 Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS.  Compassion and love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy.  Many blessings are prayed into every stitch.

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 intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way.  Some recipients 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 shawls can also be crocheted, quilted, woven or machine knitted as well.

Some uses for the shawl for both ladies and men are: undergoing medical procedures: as a comfort after a loss or in times of stress; during bereavement; prayer or meditation; commitment or marriage ceremonies; birthing, nursing a baby; bridal shower or wedding gift; leading ritual; rites of passage; during an illness and recovery; ministering to others; graduation, birthday, anniversary, ordination, holiday gifts; or just socializing...there are endless possibilities!

To make a shawl personal, the giver or the recipient may want to adorn the shawl with beads, shells, feathers and charms.  A blessing or ritual maybe offered when the gift is presented.

I wish to thank Prayer Shawl Ministry for their permission to put this on New York State of Mind.  Their Web is at: www.shawlministry.com

Can you touch a prayer? Can you pull it close and feel its comfort? You can if it comes as a gift in the form of a Prayer Shawl.  Prayer Shawls are simple gifts of grace from God that are prayerfully and lovingly stitched by as reminder that God's promise is always with us.

I thank First Baptist Church, Scottsdale, AZ

HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTINE PRAYING SHAWL

This is the easiest knitting pattern that was given to me by the Pastor at the Presbyterian Church that gave me my shawl.

On size 11 or 13 knitting needles cast on 57 stitches and knit every row until you have reached your desired length (between 50 or 60 inches).  Add desired fringe around the edge.

MENNONITE WOMEN USA PRAYER SHAWL INSTRUCTIONS

Yarn: Lion Homespun is suggested, but you can use anything you think is pretty.  For knitting you'll need about 550 yards and for crochet about 700 yards - three to three and 1/2 skeins.

Needles: Knitting: # 11, 13, or 15  Crochet: Size M, N, or P

KNITTING INSTRUCTIONS

Cast on a multiple of 6 sts plus 3.  51, 57. or 63 is suggested.
Knit 3, Purl 3 every row until shawl is about 57 to 60 inches long.
This stitch is called seed stitch so you will always be knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches.  The fabric is the same on both sides and has a lively lengthwise grain.

CROCHET INSTRUCTIONS

Chain 54 stitches or desired width of shawl (24 - 30 inches)
Row 1 Ch 1, turn, sc in each ch across
Row 2 Ch 3 turn, DC in each sc across
Row 3 & 4 Repeat row 2
Repeat these four rows until shawl measures 57-60 inches long.  Finish off with one row of sc.

FINISHING: Add fringes to the shawl.  Use 1 yard/meter or yarn per tassel.  Fold the length of yarn in half three times.  Pull folded end through edge of shawl with a large crochet hook, put ends through loop, pull snug and cut the loops.

www.mennonitewomenusa.org

"You created my inmost self, knit me together in my mother's womb.  For so many marvels I thank you: a wonder am I, and all your works are wonders." From Psalm 139


Marilyn