By: Nora Brooks

The Prayer Ministry has been blessed by donations of prayer blankets and squares made by members of the congregation. These blankets and squares are intended for people to take whenever they or someone they know needs prayers and comfort for a medical or emotional need. Now some of these blankets have been at the ministry center for quite a while. People have seemed reluctant to take advantage of them for some reason.  Simply having them displayed in Hiller Hall or outside the sanctuary was not enticing people to take them.

“I’m not really a fan of Halloween, but somehow felt I was being called to volunteer at the Fall Festival this year.”

I was only slightly surprised when the decision was made to bring out the prayer quilts and squares before the festival started. It turned out to be a blessing to many.  I have to admit, I enjoyed the evening. Talking with friends, seeing the costumes, and happy faces of the kids.

It was interesting to see the reactions when people were asked if they had a prayer need. Some jumped at the chance to share their need while others recoiled at the question. To those who recoiled, the reply was simply that no need was a blessing.

“A couple of groups stand out in particular.”

One lady said she had an immediate need for herself. She chose a blanket, wrapped it around her legs and smiled. She said she was cold (she was wearing shorts) and the blanket felt good.

A group of 3 teenaged girls were admiring the prayer squares displayed by the candy bucket. I told them they were to be put in a pocket, purse, or backpack and then pulled out and rubbed when they felt stressed or anxious. I showed them the cross on the square and said they could say a prayer while they rubbed the square. Then they all looked the squares over and carefully selected one for themselves. They each gave me a relieved smile. I knew we had connected emotionally and they would consider praying when they felt stressed or anxious.

A couple of groups of young male teens briefly discussed and wrote down needs without taking blankets. They seemed relieved that someone would listen to them seriously, be thinking of them and offering prayers. It was very touching. These kids are so vulnerable and just want to be valued. I felt like the spirit was working through me to reach them (and it was working).

Several groups who wanted blankets for loved ones stayed and talked quite a while. I think they were so grateful to have someone ask if they needed prayers. I doubt they would have ever mentioned their need or asked for a blanket on their own. It is difficult to know how to help people sometimes. But then, really, we just need to listen and let the Holy Spirit guide us. Right?

Would you like to pray for those in our community as well? Here are the prayer needs shared without the specific name of the person listed. God knows when you pray.

• Terminal Cancer
• Knee and Hip Rehab
• Death of Parents
• Pain
• Loss of Spouse
• Heart & Peace in Jesus
• Kidney Disease
• Loss of Job
• Need to Know Jesus
• 2 months old, RSV
• Sickness
• To See Kids