KPTM FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |Prayer Shawls Provide More than Warmth

Meghan McRoberts, Maureen Wurtz

 OMAHA (KPTM)- A prayer group in Omaha is putting its hands together in a different way.

Members are doing something people have done for hundreds of years, and the results are helping people today.

 "Oh Holy source of life and strength," Pastor Joyce Miller prayed.   As she read off a prayer card she held something very special in her hands: a prayer shawl.  She says its history dates back to Biblical times.

 "The prayer shawl was not well understood in the beginning, but it was warmly welcomed," said Miller.

She works with the Nebraska Medical center to give handmade shawls to patients and families at the hospital.

"The shawl isn't complete until it's given away," said Miller.

 She said the shawl is used to help strengthen spirits.  "With the shawl, this is a tangible way for God's love being present for people who are going through some difficulties," said Miller.

 She said wrapping yourself in a shawl is a way you can feel God's warmth.

The program began in November at the Nebraska Medical Center.  The Med Center is the only hospital in Omaha that has it. 

 Miller said each stitch can comfort both the giver and the receiver. "The gift of one's care wrapped up as they make these stitch by stitch."

 Miller said each shawl is unique, just like the people that make them.

 People get together at the Nebraska Medical Center to make shawls.  If you'd like to help, you can e-mail Pastor Joyce miller here.