Everyone Needs Prayer: A prayer Shawl Series

I consider myself to be a person of faith. I have always grown up in the church, and have seen the benefits and power of prayer. But, I have to admit, I have not always been a faithful prayer warrior and that prayer has not always been a part of my daily rountine, even today. However, like most people, I find that I turn to prayer in times of need, or when life becomes stressful and difficult. Everyone Needs Prayer, and not just once in a while. Everyone Needs Prayer: A Prayer Shawl Series is here to you understand the need of prayer and the importance of prayer shawls.

open bible and bible verse from John 17:9 A Prayer Shawl Series

D.L. Moody said, “God is not bothered by our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.”

What is a prayer shawl

Prayers enable us to not simply be victims of this world, but to instead be victors. It moves the hand of God on our behalf. This makes prayer vital to our everyday lives.

A prayer shawl ministry reaches out to others who are hurting, suffering, discouraged or going through a difficult time. The beauty and faith of a crochet prayer shawl ministry is touching the lives of others and letting God use your talent for His Glory.

In this series, I want to share with you a prayer that you would be able to share with those you come across in need. That need may be one of friendship, healing, comfort, or forgiveness. But let’s not forget the prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Prayers for blessings and thanksgiving for new life and marriage celebrate the goodness of God as well. It is important that we not only pray to ask for help, but to pray in thanksgiving for what God has done for you or for those around you.

yarn, crochet hook, and crocheted fabric with Bible verse Galation 6:10 A Prayer shawl series

Benefits of making Prayer shawls

Knitting and crocheting have many physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Studies have shown that knitting and crocheting:

reduce anxiety and depression
lower blood pressure
reduce chronic pain
slow the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s
relieve stress
reduce loniless ad isolation and lends itself to group activities
are a refocusing tool for those with OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder)
improve creativity
enhance wellnes
relaxes the mind
increases productivity and builds self esteem
converts hobby into a business

My blog post 13 Unbelievable Benefits of Crochet and Knitting discusses the benefits of crochet and knitting indepth. Several articles about these benefits have been written and published. Muezart has written a great article on the benefits of crochet (and knitting). Her article can be found here. Another great artilce about the health benefits of crochet can be found at allfreecrchet.com.

Prayer to begin a shawl

Praying before you begin a shawl is an important step that we must not forget to do. This helps to clear your mind, and focus on the one who is to or may be recieving this gift. When making a shawl, I do not always know who will be receiving the shawl or for what circumstance I am making the shawl. I keep several completed shawls available in case a sudden need for a shawl arises. Before presenting or gifting the shawl to someone in need, I pray over the shawl again.

Below is my prayer to begin a shawl:

A Prayer Shawl Series, A prayer to say when starting a prayer shawl

You can find a PDF of the beginning prayer here.

A Prayer Shawl Series: Prayers for a completed shawl

Having Prayers printed and ready to accompany the shawl upon gifting, helps to spread the love of God. The paper prayer serves as a physical reminder of God’s presense, as well as knowing that someone continues to pray for them. Through this series of Prayers, I want to share with you the following prayers:

Prayers of Healing (two Prayers)
Prayer for Comfort or Loss
Prayer for Loss of a Child
Prayer for Forgiveness
Prayers for Unity
Prayers for Peace (two Prayers)
Prayers for the Healing of Cancer
Prayer of Friendship
Prayer for New Life
Prayer for a New Marriage
Prayers for a Graduate
Prayers for Specific Family Member (Father, Mother, Grandparent, sister, brother, son or daughter)
Prayers for Those Who Protect (police officer, firefight, military)
Prayer for Finacial Stability/Loss of a Job

All the listed prayers come in a PDF form and can be purchased in my Etsy shop. There is an option to purchase individually or as a set. Purchase, download, and print to attach to your gift for that one who needs it. Check back often as more prayers will be added in time. The prayers are for blessings, comfort, strength, wisdom, healing, and protection for the recipient.

Patterns for Crocheted Prayer Shawls

I have several crochet patterns for prayer shawls available for free on my blog. Some are actual shawls, others are more of an afghan or lapghan. Many of these patterns were created by DulceBella Designs, although some are patterns found in other places. I have linked those patterns back to the site in which I found them. The great thing about Prayer Shawls is that there is not a particular style or pattern that needs to be used for them. Any crochet or knit pattern for shawls and blankets can be used and given as a prayer shawl, leaving the possibilities wide open. However, patterns unique to DulceBella Designs can be found here for free, or you can purchase a downloadable PDF here.