How can I request a shawl?

Requests for persons who might benefit from a prayer shawl come to the ODPC Prayer Shawl Ministry from a variety of sources, including pastors, parish nurse, staff, church members, Care and Nurture Committee, and Stephen Ministry. A recipient does not have to be a church member to receive a prayer shawl.

To date, we have created approximately 1001 handmade shawls, lap robes, socks, hats, and hand warmers for church members and their families, residents of surrounding communities, patients/clients of Hope’s Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, SC Presbyterian Homes, local nursing homes and medical care facilities, Hospice organizations, and the TLC School in Haiti.

This intergenerational ministry and knitting circle continues to flourish because of God’s blessings, the prayerful and financial support of church leadership, the encouragement and appreciation of the congregation, and the love and dedication of the forty active volunteers, ages 40-90, who give so generously of their time and talents.

Materials and informal lessons are provided at no charge.

When a volunteer is giving a shawl, he or she might share a prayer, such as the one below:



Dear Heavenly Father,



Be with ________who will wear this shawl (lap robe, pair of socks, hat, set of hand warmers, and so on). Comfort and console her/him as you hold her/him in your healing presence.



May this shawl be a sign of your love and grace. May it bring warmth when (name) is weary. May this shawl surround (name) and cover her/him with love to ease her/his pain.



Father, be with the doctors, nurses, and all who care for the sick. May your strong touch reach out to heal the broken and hurting people and places in the world.



We ask your blessing once more on this prayer shawl and on (name) who will wear it.



In Jesus’ name.
Amen