In an effort to reach out to the community, a small group of ladies have come together to create beautifully designed blankets and shawls full of prayers by the designer and church to help those in need. This idea was placed on the heart of Sis. White to use her talent in sewing, crocheting and knitting to develop these blankets as an outward symbol of God's love in hearing the prayers of His children in whatever they may ask of Him.
Each blanket or shawl is created through the weaving of the yarn and prayers of the one making the item. A special prayer is repeatedly recited while crocheting, knitting or sewing each item. Each team member prayerfully seeking God’s help for healing, comforting, or consoling the recipient of the gift. Upon completion, the blanket is presented to the entire church where it is anointed with oil by our Pastor and the entire congregation lays hands on the blanket or shawl and offers up a prayer for the recipient. Finally the blanket is presented to the requested for delivery to the recipient. The "Laying of Hands" service unites the prayers of the maker, Pastor and congregation, so that the recipient receives a gift full of the prayers of the church community.
It is the desire of the From the Heart Prayer Ministry that each recipient upon using the blanket or shawl may feel God’s everlasting love engulf them, bring healing to those sick, comfort to those in distress, and solace to those sadden from the lost of a love one. Wrapping one’s self in the gift will allow them to know that God is love, and that through His love, Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church loves you too. We are a living testament that prayer changes things and all one needs to do is seek God's love through prayer.
WHO CAN GET ONE?
If you or someone you know could benefit from one of these blankets please contact the Church at 301-884-7320 with your request. A blanket will be created at your request and delivered to you upon completion. Please note that it may take up to 4-8 weeks to receive, depending upon the number of requests in progress.
WHAT IS THE COST?
There is no cost associated with the blanket or shawl. However, we welcome donations to help continue and grow this wondrous ministry.
IS THERE A SPECIAL PATTERN USED IN CREATING THE BLANKET OR SHAWL?
Not all the time. Each member of the ministry prays before beginning their project and will create the gift according to the perceived will of God. For example, one member uses the single/double crochet stitch when creating her gifts, based on the premise that “if you take one step, God will take two.”
Below is a sample prayer that may be used while creating the blanket or shawl:
Almighty God
Creator of life and health
Bring healing to the receiver of this blanket (shawl)
In your providence,
Give comfort from all pain and illness
Give relief from suffering and grant steady improvement
May the recipient be delivered from all pain and
Remain well and healthy
In the name of Jesus, I pray
Amen
“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress;
be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”
Psalm 4:1
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
The From the Heart Prayer Ministry welcomes donations of yarn. It generally takes 8 to 10 skeins of yarn to complete a blanket and 5 to 6 skeins of yarn for a shawl. Monetary donations are also welcomed to help continue this ministry.
From the Heart Prayer Ministry
