Prayer Quilts
The Prayer Quilt Ministry continues to offer Prayer Quilts to those in need. Here’s how you can request a prayer quilt:
1) Talk to the intended recipient.
– Ask if the person is willing to be prayed for and to receive a quilt.
– Ask what specific prayers are wished for.
– There is no charge for the quilt – it is a gift of love.
2) Contact Maile Marquand (mailemarquand@gmail.com) or Sue Payne (sue.f.payne@gmail.com).
3) Select the quilt if some are already made, or suggest colors if one is to be selected for you.
Once the quilt selection has been made, First UMC will display the quilt in the Friday Community Email, and also during Sunday 10 a.m. Worship. You may call or email Sarah in the church office to request a tie be made on the quilt for you; she will let you know the requested prayers: Sarah Rold (310.393.8258), or s.rold@santamonicaumc.org, Prayers will be collected Tuesday – Friday of the following week, and the prayer knots will be tied by the church staff.
What are Prayer Quilts and Prayer Squares?
A Prayer Quilt is a personal quilt, tied with heavy thread. These threads are tied with a square knot by members of the congregation during a worship service. As each knot is tied, a silent prayer is offered for the person receiving the quilt. There is no cost for the quilt – it is a gift of love and prayer. It is a statement of our faith in God and our belief in God’s power to comfort, strengthen, and heal.
In addition to Prayer Quilts, there are Prayer Squares. Prayer Squares are much smaller, but also have ties that represent prayers. They are often used in situations such as accidents, emergency surgery or hospitalization, when a quilt is not requested but prayer is wanted, or when time is a factor. They are also given to work teams going on service projects, for baby’s baptisms, and for youth when joining the church. They are available in the church office for members of the congregation to pick up and give to others.
Prayers and Squares, the Prayer Quilt Ministry, began near San Diego in 1992. First UMC became a chapter in 2003. Churches of many denominations are part of Prayers and Squares. Hundreds, maybe thousands of quilts have been made and “prayed,” each a gift of love. Unlike many other organizations that make quilts for charitable purposes, the purpose of Prayers & Squares is not to make and distribute quilts, but to promote prayer through the use of quilts.