It’s been a busy fall for women across the church: retreats, conventions, gatherings and more. I’ve always thought that if you can walk away from an event with at least one new idea it’s been a productive time together in community. So, today I’m sharing one idea. Perhaps it will inspire a new ministry for you.
I first saw prayer squares at the Ninth Triennial Gathering where the women of the Northeastern Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization (SWO) gave them out. When I visited the Eastern North Dakota SWO convention in September I picked up directions for both the knit and crochet version of the prayer squares. And just this past weekend, prayer squares were a dinner favor at the New England SWO convention.
So what’s a prayer square? It’s a piece of knitted or crocheted cloth, less than 5 or so inches square that can function as a small version of prayer shawl–made in prayer, with prayer, for prayer (as we say in my congregation’s prayer shawl ministry). Placed in a pocket or backpack or purse, the prayer square serves as a reminder: a reminder to pause and prayer and also a reminder that someone has already prayed for you. Download the directions for prayer squares here.
What new idea did you encounter this fall? All who read this blog want to know!
This adapted Throwback Thursday blog by Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director of Women of the ELCA, first ran in October 2014 as “Fall findings.” It’s been one of our most popular blogs.
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I was given a prayer square at the 9th and carry when I need it most, Then keep it near me under my pillow or on my prayer table so I can grab it when my heart requires. Thank you for starting this ministry and I have truly benefited from my square being part of my life.
I have a handkerchief, but would love instructions on how to make these, please email directions to
There’s a link to the directions in the blog post.
I believe this is an excellent way to involve members who are homebound. I will certainly pass it on to my friends I attend sewing and needlework with at my church.
Thank you/, Donna Duckworth, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Easton, PA.
Do you have the info note that is attatched to the prayer square?
The note says this: This is a pocket prayer cloth, made especially for you. Place it in your pocket or purse or put it under your pillow. Each time you touch the pocket prayer cloth, may you be reminded of God’s unending love for you. May it bring you peace, comfort, hope, and joy. Always remember you are a special child of God.
But you can write anything you wish, perhaps add the name of your congregation, circle, or ministry.
Here’s what we put on the note in our congregation:
This pocket prayer cloth was made especially for you. Put it in your pocket, purse, backpack or under your pillow as a reminder of God’s unending love for you.
Made in prayer, with prayer, for prayer as part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry of United Lutheran Church, Oak Park, Ill.
unitedlutheranchurch.org
We print them using a Word template for business cards, getting two columns of five on one sheet of 8.5 by 11 paper. We use a card stock weight paper.
My sister and I would love to be part of this ministry. How do we join?
It’s all local. You can start knitting or crocheting and look for local outlets. Start in your congregation and just give away the squares. Invite others to make squares too.
I crochet would live to join this ministry! Loy of different color yarn!
Lord of Life – Schaumburg has had these available for anyone for a number of years. Thank you to those who do this kind of handiwork.
lovely idea for prayer- thanks for sharing
In my congregation, we fill a basket with prayer squares and have them available in our fellowship hall with a help-yourself-kind-of message. With all the people coming in and out of our building (different groups who use the building beyond our own congregants), we are constantly refilling the basket. It’s such a simple outreach tool that seems to touch many people.
And for those looking for a pattern, there’s a link in the blog. But you can easily type in “prayer square patterns” in your search engine and all kinds of patterns will show up.
I was gifted a prayer square during my cancer journey. I tied it to my Kindle which was with me alot. I’m surprised that I didn’t put a hole in my square as much as I rubbed it in prayer. I still have the square on my Kindle.