What's your honest opinion of the practice of prayer cloths?

I’d probably just be thankful for her loving faith and concern towards me rather than let it bother because of me being critical over her understanding as having theological problems.

A couple years ago, I was working to reposition a medicated Spanish speaking lady with a broken hip in her hospital bed who was crying out and saying things, apparently cursing me, as soon as I began to reach for her. I asked her granddaughter what she was saying and she said with a cautious grin, “she’s saying you’re the devil”.... On that note I noticed the elderly lady trying to reaching toward her nightstand and saw her rosary beads laying there. I hesitated for a second, but then I thought, “well, then, the devil is about to hand you your beads in hopes to bring you some comfort” and gave them to her. She clutched them to her chest and began praying while I moved her. As I left I thanked God for bringing her some comfort and thought about that event – to me her comfort came from God – I was a vehicle which God used to bring her comfort and I gave Him all the glory to Him – to her, I don’t truly know if she thought those beads did the work or what – but the end result seemed more important than the means and I was glad I handed her the beads.

To me, love comes in the actions and thoughts behind them regardless of what one might "think" is the means, so I would treasure the cloth...maybe put it beside my Buda statue and stone carved Thomas gospel verse.

 

To add to my previous thoughts, and more fully answer your question. Back to that lady in my story, who was probably praying for protection against me, the devil… …her beliefs had no effect on my knowledge and belief that God’s Hand was in this through the love and empathy I had for a stranger who was in need when I handed her those rosary beads.

So, while thinking of your friend’s probable misguided beliefs which may center on containing God’s power from within and through the cloth you might want to look at it as God’s Love is in her gestures and those others who may have prayed over this cloth and this action is represented by the cloth. In appreciation for that loving gesture if you want to be humble and thankful and put it under your pillow in gratitude and remembrance of your friend’s loving action…well God knows where you’re coming from and it’s all about appreciation for the love in the world which was designed by Him and the blessings which come through Him. If you might enjoy keeping that cloth close to you for these reasons, like a child who takes comfort in a Teddy bear, or even thinking of myself – when one time I firmly clutched onto the Bible for support while giving a layman sermon, which I know in and of itself was merely paper with no power, and afterward a couple people commented how I was clutching the Bible and one lady commented that, “I have no doubt that God was smiling at you while you delivered that sermon!” Well, I’m pretty sure God would be smiling at “your” gesture of faith in Him if you decide to put the cloth under your pillow.

 

She cares for you that's clear, it sounds like you've much respect for her, you told her you would, unless you're superstitious to believe God will begrudge you for doing it, I say put it under your pillow and thank the Lord that you have a friend like that.

 

I don't put any power in it myself. Except that maybe it reminds me to pray for the one who needs the prayers.

 

Is it ok to speculate what would happen if Paul was given a prayer cloth for his eyesight problems ? Can we try to imagine what he said ?


I can't help but think it dangerous. Even with the good intentions. Kind of like when my mom prays to Mary on my behalf. I'd rather not have to explain why, and would pay dearly to not have to.

 

The idea that an object would have some sort of spiritual power would make that object a talisman. Best to stay away from those types of things.

 

I know this is becoming popular with some charismatic ladies. They knit or crochet the scarves or shawls, then gather together to pray over the scarf before giving it to a sick person. The idea is that God blesses the wearer of the scarf and/or the ill person feels "wrapped in prayer" when they wear it.

I have a Catholic friend who was given a piece of one at the hospital. A woman said it had helped heal her loved one, and she tore a piece off for my friend to keep. He said his dad made it through surgery ok and he believes it was the prayer cloth that helped.

For me, it seems too much like a good luck charm. I think it's one thing to make something and tell the person to remember she is covered in prayer, and another to use it as a talisman. It reminds me of the little angels people hang on their rearview mirrors to protect them from car accidents.