The purpose of the Prayer Quilt Ministry is not to make and distribute quilts, but to promote prayer through the use of quilts. The quilt is simply the prayer carrier. A heavy thread is used to take stitches through the quilt layers, and the ends are left free to be tied with a knot. As each knot is tied, a silent prayer is said for someone in special need, who then receives the finished quilt. This is not just a gift of a quilt, it is a gift of love and prayer. It is a statement of faith in God and in His power to comfort, strengthen and heal.
As a special gift of love, they can be made for sick babies, for adults and children facing health related problems, or for anyone facing a personal crisis. There are many circumstances when the gift of a Prayer Quilt is appropriate. The only requirement is that the recipient of a Prayer Quilt, or their family, must be prepared and have agreed to receive our gift of prayer. A surprise Prayer Quilt is not appropriate. We can request a Prayer Quilt for ourselves, for a loved one, a friend or for anyone who is facing a difficult time in their life and would like to receive our prayers. They may be a member of our congregation, or they may live many, many miles from St. Francis Old Catholic Church.