Over the past 5 or 6 years I have made many prayer quilts. I even joined the Prayer and Square organization and followed their rules about asking a person if they would appreciate a quilt that has been prayed over. (No prayer quilt surprises!) Some recipients have been church members. Some have been friends. One man was someone I knew in the neighborhood who wasn't Christian and didn't have much hope for his future. Most of the recipients have been returned to health but a few have not.
There have been many situations though resulting from the prayer quilts and not all have been good. MOST people when asked if they would like a prayer quilt have received the offer gratefully. But some haven't. One man became upset because he took the offer to mean that people were giving up on him. He left the church angry. My sister-in-law's quilt for her mother got LOST in the prayer chain and that definitely put a strain on Marcy's heart and she has had to pull up an extra supply of forgiveness.
And my friend who recently has been in the hospital declined the offer of a prayer quilt saying she would rather not have people focus on HER health but on their own. Ah~~ if this dear friend of mine feels that way... then maybe I have been stepping on people's toes. What it boils down to is that the person in need of prayer (and we all are in need of prayer!) has the correct answer and not I. Tetsu suggested that in some cases my timing might be better... but each person accepts their illness in their own way and in their own time.
Which makes me think that I should not be so actively involved in making prayer quilts... this activity which was so close to my heart.
I am still going to pray.
12 comments:
I agree that everyone is in a different place but I have given a quilt to friend in hospice and I know it helped her and it helped me. I also gave one to a 100 year old woman who was moving to assisted living. She did not live long but her family has it now to pass on and remember her.
You have a kind heart.
Quilts, journal covers, wall hangings, stitcheries, beadwork and more, all from our hearts, we mean so well, and if the gift is accepted gracefully and graciously, we are fortunate. Here small quilts are made and given to Starship Hospital, for tiny and still born babies. I'm sure anyone who receives such a quilt would be grateful, and have many thanks to the giver.Greetings from Jean
I love the idea of prayer quilts, and if I were in need, I'd certainly want to wrap myself in something that has been "made and prayed" for me.
I know God is pleased that you will continue to pray. Not sure why you can't just make a quilt and give it to a person with mentioning the prayer part. Certainly if prayer should come in the conversation mention it. So God gets the prayer, the person gets a quilt and the realization that someone cares a lot and you probably learn something each time.
I would love a prayer quilt for my long term health issues!
Beautiful photo of leaves and bible verse. I visit a blog. which I can't remember the name at the moment, but she has been making prayer flags to hang in her own home. Maybe I will try that. The Modern Quilt Guild of Canada sponsored flags for Boston and they were beautiful.
I'm a private person when it comes to religion and prayer and as such it makes me somewhat uncomfortable to read the "commandments" on the Prayers and Squares site. I think quilts have great power to offer comfort and to demonstrate our caring and compassion. I'm sure there are many who can be comforted by your quilts and prayers.
Mimi is perhaps right ... make the quilt anyway, pray as you stitch, and offer the quilt as a gift without mentioning prayer unless it comes naturally into the conversation. God knows ...
I still work with the Prayers & Squares group in Boonville, but I have quit giving Prayer Shawls (crocheted) to the hospital. I have had to think about this a lot myself (and still have not decided). I can see both sides of the issue you are talking about. Yes, I do have a Prayer Quilt and a Prayer Shawl, made by groups I belong to. They are precious to me. Your intentions are the best, you cannot be responsible for how they are received.
I belong to a small group that makes quilts for those that "need a hug from God". They are made out of what we have-anything from small wheelchair quilts to lap quilts to bed size quilts (those are few). They have been given to those who are ill, in nursing homes, new babies, injured, loss of homes due to flooding or fire: just where ever the Lord leads us to give. They always seem to be appreciated. We don't have "rules" we just make quilts with what fabric we have.
People seem to appreciate that someone cares. I can not tell you how many times that quilts have been given and they say,"favorite colors", "goes with my living/bed room". These quilts could have been made months before and frequently we don't personally know the person who receives them. It's too bad the drama is taking away you receive in doing this.
I'm in agreement with Mimi. Not everyone is comfortable with the concept of a "prayer" quilt, however one can appreciate the kindness of someone taking the time and making a quilt for them. It's a cozy hug of thoughtfulness that's often much appreciated by the recipient.
*hugs* I hope you find what God wants you to do. I think prayer quilts are lovely but I can see how you're struggling with the idea. Hang in there! :)
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