Prayer Quilt
What is a prayer quilt?
A prayer quilt is smaller in size than a bed quilt. It is considered a lap quilt tied with heavy thread. These threads are tied with a square knot by members of the congregation following each worship service or by members of a Bible study or prayer group. As each knot is tied, a silent prayer is offered for someone in special need. The quilt is a gift of love and prayer. It is a statement of our faith in God and our belief in His power to comfort, strengthen, and heal. A quilt, no matter how simple, is a gift from the heart; and the gift is not about the quilt, it’s about the prayers. In John 14:13 Jesus says, “and whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
What is a prayer square?
A prayer square is a small hand-held quilt. Currently we have two types of prayer squares: 1) a square that is at least 12″ X 12″ and 2) pocket size — a quilt that can be carried inside a pocket or clothing and can be sent to service men and women going to a war zone; and missionaries going to the mission field. All types and sizes of quilts have been appreciated and warmly received.
Who makes the quilts?
Anyone who wants to! The ministry is open to all who wish to participate. The ministry is growing and there is always a need for quilts. You do not need to know how to sew, as there are some tasks involved that do not require sewing. If you would like to learn to make prayer quilts, we are willing to teach you in the workshops. All are welcome to attend the quilt workshops which are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, except December (check the church bulletin).
Who are the quilt recipients?
Quilts are made for people of all ages — babies, children, youth, and adults — who have chronic pain or illness, a terminal diagnosis, facing surgery, etc. The recipients do not have to be church members or attend our church. It has been our experience that the quilts have been an encouragement when given to relatives, coworkers, friends, and acquaintances (including those who don’t know the Lord) as an outreach. The only requirements are to: 1) ask the person if they want a prayer quilt or a prayer square and have a congregation pray for them; 2) ask for their specific prayer request; 3) inform the prospective recipient that there is no charge for a prayer quilt; and 4) turn in a completed “Prayer Quilt and Prayer Square Request” form.
Who can request a prayer quilt or square?
Anyone! The yellow “Prayer Quilt and Prayer Square Request” forms are available in the lobby on the information wall and on the patio Prayer Quilt table. You may contact :
Gloria Merritt at (619) 741-4158. You may also request a Prayer Quilt by calling the church at (619-460-6566). The quilt will be made with love, knots tied and the recipient prayed for. The quilt can be picked up per arrangement. If you request a quilt for a friend or loved one, it is your responsibility to deliver it to the recipient.
What is my obligation in giving the quilt to someone who doesn’t know the Lord?
A small tract entitled “Do You Know the Steps to Peace with God?” is included with the quilt when the recipient’s salvation is unsure. This is the same tract used at the Billy Graham Crusades. Also included is a copy of the book of John and a pamphlet entitled “Who is This Jesus?” which contains Bible verses and instructions to help you in your witness to your friend or loved one. It is our hope that the prayer quilt will be an outreach for those facing serious illness at a time when they may be questioning their faith.
Is this ministry for you?
Would you pray for those in need?
All are welcome, whether a quilter or not. We invite and encourage everyone in the congregation — men, women, and youth —to stop by the prayer quilt table, tie a knot, and silently pray asking God to answer the specific request in a way that will glorify God. Prayer reminder slips which state the quilt recipient’s prayer request are available at the table for you to take home so that you can continue to pray for the individual’s needs. By joining in prayer for the needs of the quilt recipient, you become a member of the prayer ministry and participate in God’s activity on behalf of the recipient. It is exciting to see God answer prayer requests.
Can the prayer quilt be washed?
There is a tag on the quilt with washing instructions on one side. On the other side of the tag is the following: A brief history of the Calvary Cross on the Prayer Quilt label. Also known as the Latin Cross and the Holy Cross, it reminds us of the one great sacrifice the Lord Jesus made for us all. The three stairs represent faith, hope, and love. These are the virtues the Apostle Paul describes in the Bible in the thirteenth chapter of his first letter to the Corinthian church.
How is this ministry supported?
It is supported by volunteers who do different tasks, not all are quilters, and donations of fabric and money to purchase batting and other supplies that make up the quilts, labels and laundry tags.