Ranee LesCallett of the Anglican Church of the Atonement has a unique ministry.

She has knit hundreds of prayer shawls for people, blessing them and herself in the process.

“I believe it is important to use the gifts God has given to us to His glory,” she says.

“For me personally God gifted me with the ability to create.”

She is a painter, sewer, embroiderer and knitter.

So she views her Prayer Shawl Ministry as a “wonderful way” for her to give of the gift of knitting that God bestowed on her.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 the Apostle Paul called on believers to “pray without ceasing.”

“It is all too easy to tell someone, ‘I’m praying for you,’” LesCallett says. “We pray for those in need and in thanksgiving daily.”

This ministry extends that outreach.

She sees prayer shawls as an outward representation of one’s prayers, given freely and never sold.

“Prayer shawls have been around for centuries,” she says. “In Hebrew times they were worn by men. Today, however, the prayer shawl is given and can be worn by anyone.”

She knits the shawls in the softest yarns available.

“I want the shawl or wrap to be comfortable and inviting, encouraging the recipient to wrap themselves in your prayers,” she adds.

“Some shawls are knit with no specific person in mind but with general prayers of thanksgiving and health.

“I prefer to knit with the recipient in mind, weaving thoughts and prayers throughout the shawl for them.

“I personally prefer to have a name and some background on the person when knitting a prayer shawl.”

She typically asks for a color preference, considers climate location of the recipient and any specific prayer requests when determining yarn and pattern appropriate for the type of shawl she will knit.

“Completed shawls are blessed by clergy,” LesCallett says. “I feel this is important as I knit alone, and the shawls generally only pass through my hands. I believe this goes to the Bible verse, ‘When two or more are gathered, I am with you.’”

A prayer card with information (including care instructions) is given with the shawl to the recipient.

Ranee and her husband John are active at the Anglican Church, corner of Saguaro and Kingstree boulevards. He is the lay reader-in-charge at the church, and she also teaches Sunday School.

For more information or to request a shawl be made for you or a loved one, contact her at (480) 374-0096 or by e-mail at prayershawlinfo@gmail.com.