A community project that can provide emotional support: Pocket Prayer Shawls

Have you ever wished you can send a hug to someone far away? Have you ever wanted to offer condolences, a prayer, or a message of caring that someone could carry with them where ever they go as a reminder? As a parent, sending your child to school, into the military, or off on a long trip, have you ever wanted to give them something that carried your prayers and blessings with them? There is a way. Many have heard of prayer shawls, that have prayers knitted into every stitch offered to someone who is in emotional need, suffered a loss, dealing with illness. But a whole shawl takes a long time to knit and would not be appropriate in every circumstance. A small piece of knitted, crocheted or even woven fabric can be put in a pocket or even put inside a helmet or hat. It can be tucked in with a patient going to surgery. And prayers and blessings are still worked into the fabric square, stitch by stitch, by the maker.

From an objective health point of view, does prayer have a positive provable impact on someone's health? There are studies done that have found prayer can bring comfort, peace, and ease anxiety. One study from a Harvard professor found that young people who prayed regularly had few signs of depression, and higher levels of life satisfaction and self esteem. In another study, participants reported the importance of prayer in their healing and recovery. You can see the article from Psychology Today HERE.

So with the idea of the positive effects of prayer on health, and the idea that a community of makers can create a token of blessings, good wishes and prayer to those who are suffering, dealing with hardship, illness, and loneliness...why not come together and create pocket prayer shawls? There are ministries out there who have done this. But why not in Nottoway County? This article has ideas on how to do this. I like the idea of placing baskets of pocket prayers, with cards attached in certain areas, like hospitals or nursing homes, in schools, churches, community centers or even on your desk at work. Or maybe at a funeral or funeral home. Of course, first checking with a location to see if it would fit their needs. And creating a card that can be attached, explaining the idea of a pocket prayer shawl would be important.

Here at the Crewe Library, we have a knit and crochet group that meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, and we are meeting tomorrow at 5pm. I will have printed copies of both a knit and a crochet pattern for a small pocket prayer shawl. I invite anyone interested to attend. We will discuss maybe making some as a group. There is no set pattern. It can be designed easily. It can just be a simple cloth or one that features a symbol of meaning like a cross, a heart, a flower or many others. The article I linked above has links to some patterns.

I would like invite any thoughts or ideas on the subject. Here at the Literacy Program, we are always looking for ways to improve not only reading literacy, but health, financial, digital and workforce literacy as well. And also ways to not only educate, but to bring the community together. Thanks for checking in!