CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S MINISTRY BEGINS PRAYER QUILT MINISTRY
In October of 2014, in their monthly meeting the CPWM voted to step out in faith and begin a Prayer Quilt Ministry, and became members of Prayers & Squares an international organization with 1168 chapters in 49 states and in 12 countries.
The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 15:11 – “There will never cease to be some need on the earth.”
When we as Christians hear of a need there are many opportunities to help, so why make Prayer Quilts? Because Prayer Quilts are more than blankets. They are the visible, tangible, physical evidence of faith – faith in God, faith in love, and faith in prayer.
When we make a Prayer Quilt, we are declaring our belief that love for one another as children of God is so strong it can be a force for change. We’re saying that God’s love and our love are one, and the same, and that together they can bring comfort, strength and healing.
Just as the Bible as Ten Commandments, the Prayer Quilt Ministry has its own Three Commandments. The first is:
- Prayers & Squares has a motto: “It’s not about the quilt, it’s all about the prayers.” The purpose of a Prayer Quilt Ministry is to promote an active prayer life among the participants, not just to make and give away quilts.
- You must ASK before you give the gift of a Prayer Quilt; surprises are not appropriate. Ask if the person to receive the quilt will accept your gift of prayer. Ask what they would like you to pray for. Ask what information about their situation may be shared with others.
- Do not accept any form of payment for a prayer quilt; it is a gift of love and prayer which cannot be bought or sold. Those who request or receive Prayer Quilts must not be made to feel obligated to the Prayer Quilt Ministry in any way.
The quilts are not quilted in a traditional manner. Rather ties have been placed to hold the top, batting and backing together. Each person participating in the service will make a square knot with the ties, place their hand on that tie and pray the prayer requested by the recipient.The Prayer Quilt Ministry continues to be a huge success. To date we have presented seven Prayer Quilts to those who have had a special need or prayer request.
On March 14, 2014, seven ladies met for a work day to prepare more quilts. Some were sewing, others were pressing, pinning the tops, batting and backing together, pressing and placing the ties in the quilts. And of course, there was a lot of visiting and fellowship together. Everyone had a great time!
Other work days will be scheduled in the future and we encourage any one to come and help with this most worthwhile project.
