Knitting Into the Mystery: A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry

by Susan S. Jorgensen, Susan S. Izard

“This is an awe-inspiring book about a very meaningful spiritual practice.”― Spirituality and Health Knitters―there are 53 million of them in the United States alone―are part of a long and quiet tradition that's both plainly practical and deeply spiritual. With needles clicking, they weave together not just garments to warm the body but also comfort and companionship to nurture the soul. This tradition is flowering today through knitting ministries, a worldwide ecumenical movement of small groups of women who gather to pray and knit for those in need. As they create shawls for people burdened with illness and sorrow, their handiwork becomes an expression, not only of their love and concern, but also of the loving care of the God who works through them. In this beautifully illustrated book, the authors―a United Church of Christ minister and a Roman Catholic laywoman―share stories of how the knitting ministry has touched lives and hearts around the world. They offer directions for knitting the shawls and for starting a parish or community knitting ministry. The book also provides a selection of prayers, written from many faith traditions, to offer along with each completed shawl.

Genres: Knitting, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Crafts, Church, Reference

147 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely and necessary ministry for those that want to pray through a gift for a human in need.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable inspiration for starting a prayer shawl ministry. The book includes some prayers and stories that can be shared with a knitting group and some basic pattern ideas.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just a pattern book (although it does contain step by step instructions for creating your first shawl) this book is an inspiration. It talks in depth of the power that comes from knitting prayers into your craft and the impact that is made on the knitter as well as the final recipient. I am very eager to getting started on my first prayer shawl.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, despite its wonky theology...

Inspired me to start my first prayer shawl! Wish there was more than one pattern included, but that's what Ravelry's for!

"Through the shawl-knitting ministry we can learn to trust the truth that God works through us when we care for friends and strangers alike." (p 31)

[Dianna Florea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and have started to make my first prayer shawl. It was interesting to read how this ministry started and some of the stories of how it has helped both the knitter and the recipient. I would recommend reading it and if you are a knitter (you do not need to know anything but knit and purl) to join this ministry.

[Sue K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me to action. I continue my personal prayer shawl ministry since first reading this book and hearing some of the testimonials. Such a great connection between my actions and my spiritual life.

[Knitology]

The authors present a description of how to set up and maintain a knitting ministry within church group.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to start a prayer shawl ministry.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about others' entry into shawl ministries.

[Lisa Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is a must read for any person who starts a knitting ministry

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely resource for anyone involved in a shawl ministry.

[Olakemfa]

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