In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at the Hartford Seminary, gave birth to this ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter. Care and the love of knitting have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are "knitted into each shawl."

Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, Mantles or some other special name, the knitter begins each shawl with prayers and blessings for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. When the shawl is completed, it is offered a final ritual before being sent along its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making one themselves and passing it on to someone in need. Thus, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and the receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!

Locust Presbyterian Church began its Prayer Shawl Ministry in February 2005. This spiritual inspiration spread quickly and a small group of women were empowered to create this outreach ministry. The group defines no boundaries. It is a simple but thorough discipline of prayer by each participant for each recipient.