At Geneva Presbyterian Church in St. John’s, Florida, some of the women developed a wonderful ministry. They make beautiful quilts that are then given away. Several years ago, two of the women sewed quilts for every veteran in their congregation. They keep up every year with new members. Some of their work also goes to women and children who are taking shelter from abusive relationships. 

Furthermore, they created special prayer quilts for folks who are going through tough times. When they learn of someone in need, they place the quilts in the church narthex. These quilts have loose strings hanging from the edges. Friends and fellow church members are invited to take a couple of the loose strings and tie them into a bow. As they do so, they pray for the person in need. By the time each quilt is received, it is literally threaded full of prayer.

Renowned theologian Karl Barth once wrote, “To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.”

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, for all the people over the years who have prayed for us. We thank you for the ways in which prayers bind us closer to one another and to you. And we thank you for the way in which, by being bound together, we find the seeds of healing, salvation, and peace. We entrust our loved ones again this day to your care, through Jesus Christ. Amen.