August 18: Weaving Prayers of Love and Concern

Sometimes the impact of a prayer can begin with one simple stitch.  This was the case with the St. Mary’s Prayer Weavers based in Metamora, Illinois.  The group consists of nine women who sew prayer shawls and lap robes for their fellow parishioners, both men and women, who are suffering from physical or spiritual ailments.

The group used to donate their items to parishioners who lived in nursing homes or were unable to attend church, but member Susan Wyckoff notes their list has since grown to incorporate children with serious illnesses and new mothers.

“In that way,” Wyckoff told The Catholic Post, “the recipients know their parish family remembers them and continues to care about them.”

Every prayer shawl or lap robe comes with two cards attached—one that says the piece was knitted for them by the St. Mary’s Prayer Weavers, who offered prayers for the recipients while working.  The second card offers a prayer for the recipient’s specific needs.

God hears all of our prayers, no matter what their form.

I sought the Lord, and He answered me.  (Psalm 34:4)

Jesus, may we always believe in the power of prayer.