Prayer Quilt Ministry Brings Comfort and Healing
Pāuatahanui Parish are celebrating the powerful impact of the Prayers and Squares ministry, which has been changing lives through the power of prayer and love.
The church has been showing care and compassion, reaching out to support those in need in our communities, and restoring health and hope to the ill and discouraged.
During the event, recipients of prayer quilts shared their testimonies, sharing how their lives have been transformed through the simple act of receiving a quilt. These quilts carry the many prayers and love which have been symbolically tied into the quilt in little knots, representing the loving embrace of God and of God’s people.
The quilts are more than just a comfort item; they represent the support of the church in times of sickness, dying, or hardship, as well as in times of celebration, such as baptism, confirmation, or the beginning of a new job or new birth.
Pauatahanui Parish Vicar, Rev. Dan Ross says, "Prayers and Squares is a beautiful ministry that brings the loving presence of God into everyday lives. In a simple way it enables me to reach out to someone in my community to offer a sign of God's hope and to build a deeper connection."
He says, “The prayer quilts are made by a group of ladies in the parish who use the quilts as an opportunity to pray for people, to show them love and support. They are for anyone - anyone can request a prayer quilt for anyone else, it’s often someone they would like to pray for and offer pastoral support to.”
The celebration was an opportunity for those who have received quilts to have them blessed anew, and to share the testimonies of what God has done in their lives through the prayers offered in faith. Together, they sang, cried, celebrated, and gave glory to God for His steadfast love and presence in their lives.
The Prayers and Squares ministry embodies the heart of the Good Shepherd, who knows us by name and brings us to the fullness of life. Through the power of prayer and the love of God, these simple prayer quilts bring comfort and healing to those in need. The ministry continues to stitch, pray, and trust that God will bring healing and life to those who receive these quilts in the name of Jesus.
