“A prayer shawl is an embrace…it is a hug.  It is tangible.  You knit your thoughts and prayers into the shawl and keep the one who receives it in your prayers.”

 

The idea of a knitting ministry began a few years ago in a church in West Hartford, CT.  Since then a ground swell movement has spread across the country and around the world.  Knitters weave prayers for God’s love and healing into the shawls and create a vessel for God’s mysterious presence in the lives of the recipients.  The knitting ministry is a very simple thing that loving hearts and hands can do for those who suffer.

The prayer shawl ministry was begun at Normandale Lutheran Church in 2003.  Our Senior Committee and the Center for Healing & Wholeness have been working together to provide prayer shawls to people who are experiencing difficult times…illness, surgery, personal crisis, loss and other challenging circumstances.

The knitters ask for God’s love to be woven into the yarn and that those who receive the shawl might know God’s comfort and healing presence.
 When the prayer shawl is completed, it is blessed by one of our pastors.
The simple act of knitting has allowed people to witness God’s mysterious love in a visible form as shawls are given to people suffering through all kinds of changes in their lives.

How can I help?

• Come to a Prayer Shawl Workshop or pick up a pattern in the Wellness Center and knit at home.

• Donate yarn or knitting needles if you don’t want to knit.  (Each cost around $10)

• Teach someone to knit.

• Volunteer to deliver Prayer Shawls.

• Request a Prayer Shawl for someone in need of prayer.

For more information on Prayer Shawl Ministry contact Meredith Holm, Parish Nurse at 952-929-1697 ext 46.

Knitting Directions

To knit a Prayer Shawl approximately 60” x 20” you will need:

• Two 6 oz skeins Lion Brand Homespun yarn

• Size 13 needles—round or 12” long

Yarn is available in the Wellness Center, room 202 if you do not wish to purchase it.

Pattern:

Cast on 45 stitches

Knit row 1 and the final row.
Beginning with row 2, Knit 3,
Purl 3, Knit 3…continue until shawl is approximately 60” long.
(Each row begins and ends with
Knit 3)

Fringe:  (cut before starting 2nd skein of yarn)  You will need 90 pieces of yarn, each 10” long.
Fold in half and insert in each stitch forming a 5” fringe.