There is a ministry in many congregations today that uses prayer shawls to comfort those who are sick, troubled, grieving, or experiencing any other kind of hardship. Members of the congregation crochet lap-sized or shoulder-sized shawls and give them to individuals as a tangible sign of the prayers of others that are being wrapped around the individual during their time of need. The individual is comforted by the prayers even after the words have ceased, for the shawl keeps the spiritual warmth close to the person's heart.
