A group of really wonderful folks from my church have gotten together and formed the “Caring Crafters,” where they knit and/or crochet items like lap blankets for abused and homeless kids and really cute little easter baskets for the shut-ins — you get the idea.

One of their projects is the “Prayer Rock” for soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen stationed overseas. It’s a tiny little pouch made of red, white, and blue thread containing a small pebble and a card. Here’s the text:

A SOLDIER’S PRAYER STONE

HERE’S A SOLDIER’S PRAYER STONE
TO REMIND YOU THAT YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
WE ASK GOD TO HOLD YOU IN HIS STRONG HANDS.
TO PROTECT YOU AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE DESERT SANDS.
GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND OUR SALVATION
WE ASK HIM TO HELP YOU PROTECT OUR GREAT NATION.
WE PRAY FOR YOUR SAFETY AND SPEEDY RETURN,
WE THANK YOU FOR HELPING, MAY YOU COME HOME UNHARMED.
WE APPRECIATE THE SACRIFICES YOU MAKE FOR US EACH DAY.
REMEMBER WE LOVE YOU IN THE US OF A.

On the reverse, each card reads:

PUT THIS LITTLE BAG IN YOUR POCKET.
ANY TIME YOU FEEL ALONE
AND LONELY REACH IN AND RUB THE STONE
AND KNOW WE’RE ALL PRAYING FOR YOU.

CARING CRAFTERS MINISTRIES
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6TH AND MAIN STREET
TORONTO, OHIO 43964

The Prayer Rocks are free for the asking; we’ll even pay the postage. If you know of a service man or woman who might appreciate one, just send me an e-mail with his or her name and military mailing address. I’ll see to it that they’re added to our list.