Ideas for Prayer Shawl Aternatives

Perhaps you're like many people with good intentions who would love to be part of such a ministry but just don't have the time and patience to devote to it. Instead of giving up, consider some alternate gifts to make.

The concept of crocheting or knitting prayer shawls for shuts-ins isn't new. Since the first prayer shawl ministry was birthed in Hartford, Connecticut in 1998, it's spread throughout the country. Not only do these crocheters and knitters produce a garment for someone who's ill, but the shawls are prayed over before they're given. Also, the people who create them bond and enjoy fellowship with one another. Besides gathering in groups, many knit or crochet alone at home and prefer to remain anonymous when giving out a prayer shawl.

Decorating a Used Afghan of Shawl

Find a used afghan or any other knitted or crocheted garment and spruce it up. Usually you can find an afghan or shawl at a thrift store or consignment shop. Look for knitted or crocheted pieces that are a solid color, preferably white. All it needs is some personality. If you know how to crochet flowers you can easily make a few and then sew them on with yarn or crochet thread to the afghan. On the other hand, you could hand embroider a design.

Making a Shawl from Monk's Cloth ---Monk's cloth is a cotton fabric made in a basket-weave design. It's usually sold in fabric stores as well as Wal-Mart. In fabric stores you generally can choose between several colors. You can always order it online if you can't find a particular color. Besides sewing on crocheted flowers, you can also cross stitch on monk's cloth as it's an even-weave fabric. If you have to strain your eyes on normal 14-count Adia cross stitch fabric, you'll love monk's cloth. With seven squares to the inch you probably don't need your magnifiers to stitch. You just need to use all six strands of floss to cover a larger square when stitching. Or you can also stitch with yarn.

Purses and Scarves --- A simple knitted purse or scarf would be just as thoughtful and well received as a prayer shawl. A purse is also ideal in that you can tuck some healing scriptures or a small bible. You can do whatever stitch you prefer to make the purse or scarf. As for the purse, simple fold it in half when you're finished and sew up the seams, leaving a top opening. Then crochet a strap and attach it to the ends.

Hats or beanies --- Hats are also quicker and simpler to crochet or knit and are ideal for chemotherapy patients.

Lap robes - Lap robes aren't as long as prayer shawls or afghans, so they take less time to make. Besides making excellent gifts for nursing home patients, lap robes are suited for men as well as women.

If you're not an expert crocheter or knitter, remember the real reason for making prayer shawls or whatever gift you create. It's not about the gift, although you want it to be reasonably nice. It's mostly about the prayer and love that goes into it. What's more you find yourself praying for the recipients of your gifts even after you've given them away.

Originally published on Suite 101.