Home » Blog » Daily Devotions » Devotions on Faith and Prayer » A Lesson from My Prayer Shawl

A Lesson from My Prayer Shawl

Sometimes God gives us not what we desire, but what we need.

Daily Guideposts writer, Penney Schwab
Guideposts' daily devotions offer a powerful way to begin your day uplifted and centered. But the impact doesn't stop there. Make a difference today! Your generous donation to Guideposts can transform lives. Together, we have the power to create positive change. Donate today and be part of a brighter, better tomorrow. Your support matters.

You didn’t choose me! I chose you! John 15:16 (TLB)

When church members were asked to make prayer shawls for the opening worship at our annual conference, the response was overwhelming. There were nearly five hundred shawls—loose-knit pastels, frothy wisps of net, fringed paisley silks and even shawls featuring cowboy scenes. I quickly saw the one I wanted: a black lace mantilla that would look great with my black dress.

Only I didn’t get to choose. After I took Holy Communion, a youth delegate selected a colorful patchwork of orange, green, brown and lilac diamonds, cable-stitched and fringed in black. As she draped it around my shoulders, the word that came to mind was “sturdy.”

At home, I draped the shawl over a chair in my bedroom, thinking I might give it away. Instead, I’ve found myself reaching for it each time I have a special worry or concern. I prayed for my grandson Ryan when he celebrated his eighteenth birthday by going skydiving, I wiped tears with the shawl when a tragic accident took the life of a friend, I appreciated its warmth when an attack of bursitis made moving painful.

The shawl, I realized, was the best possible choice for me! It was strong, sturdy and comforting—a colorful reminder of God’s everlasting mercy and overflowing grace.

Share this story

WWJ Devotionals Autumn Thanksgiving 2024 Right Rail Ad

Community Newsletter

Get More Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Scroll to Top