Until yesterday, I had never heard of “Prayer Quilts.” The “Prayers and Squares Ministry” was founded by Wendy Mathson at the Community Church of Poway in Poway, California in 1992. According to online information, there are now more than 400 chapters of the organization that includes Methodists, Episcopalians, Baptists, Catholics, and presumably other faith denominations.
Their motto is simple: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”
Prayer quilts, or in some instances, prayer squares, are made of cotton, poly batting, and are tied. Each time a tie is placed, a prayer is said for the recipient of the quilt. These quilts are not given randomly. The recipient must agree, ahead of time, to accept the prayers, along with the quilt. No money is ever asked or accepted, in exchange for the prayers or the quilts. These textiles are given to AIDS victims, those with cancer, and those who have some other special challenges in their lives.
Just for interest’s sake, I looked at what eBay has to offer, when I key in “Prayer Quilts.” I came up with two books, one published in 2006, titled Fabric of Faith Ministry. The two books are available on amazon, as well.
There is another book with 9 designs for making Prayer Quilts: Prayer Shawl Quilts.
Various printed prayers are available: a prayer for baby; a prayer for fireman safety; and a nighttime prayer for a child (with the wording changed since I was a child. A prayer quilt with U.S. Army designs was also spotted, in a 45″ x 60″ size.
Coincidentally, a friend sent me a link yesterday to Catholic Home and Garden Prayer Quilts site offering religious fabrics that feature Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Cross, etc.
Click the following link, for more information about joining a chapter of the Prayers and Squares Ministry.
The saying goes, “A day hemmed in prayer, never unravels.”
Piecefully yours,
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
