A new prayer ministry has come
to Stourport deanery connecting
people’s faith, concern for others
and the love of knitting / crocheting
as a tangible expression of prayer.
St Michael’s & All Angels’ Stourport
and St Bartholomew’s Areley Kings
have a growing ‘Prayer Shawl
and Square’ ministry within their
churches. Items are knitted (or
crocheted) in an atmosphere of prayer, meditation & compassion before being blessed
and given to those in need of prayer for sickness, anxiety or other trouble.
Pauline Wilkinson from Stourport tells of how the prayer shawls are making a difference
to people: “Wrapped in the love of God and the prayers of his people, the shawls bring
comfort; sometimes ease from pain and always the knowledge that they are not alone.”
Great is the need which is being realised by those trying to keep up with demand for
the prayer squares which are mini prayer shawls, small enough to fit into a handbags or
pockets. Kathryn Parkes from Areley Kings says: “Little did we know how they would fly
out; so many have been knitted and blessed. I see it as a cover of prayer to all people”.
This ministry is growing as it finds its way into St Peter’s, Astley and churches along the
Teme Valley, as well as into local hospices.
Stourport Deanery – Rural Dean: Mark Turner;
Lay Chair: Andrew Quinn
Diocese of Kyoto (Japan):
Bishop Stephen Kochi
Diocese of Kyushu (Japan):
Bishop Luke Muto
