Messianic Prayer Shawl
(Written March 10, 2023)
While in Israel, I shopped for three prayer shawls. I have one myself, and love its symbolism and meaning. Therefore, I wanted to gift my mom and two sisters with a Messianic Prayer Shawl from Jerusalem.
By definition, a prayer shawl, (or tallit in Hebrew), is a cloak that covers the wearer physically and spiritually in prayer. The cloth itself is seamless and represents the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Tents or Prayer Shawls?
Here’s a fun fact. The apostle Paul was a tentmaker. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for both tent and tallit are the same. Therefore, it is quite possible that Paul may have made prayer shawls, not tent structures.
Symbolism of a Messianic Prayer Shawl
A prayer shawl or tallit has 4 corners called tzitzit. In Hebrew, tzitzit is translated wings. Each wing has 8 cords with knots (7 white cords and 1 blue cord). The blue cord represents Jesus Christ, and the 7 white cords represent Old Testament laws. The total number of knots on the prayer shawl is 613. Similarly, there are 613 Old Testament laws which the Jews attempt to follow.
Transcribed at the top of the prayer shawl is a blessing which reads, “Blessed are You, O Lord, King of the Universe, who has fulfilled all the law through Jesus the Messiah and has covered us with His Righteousness.”
Each of the 4 wings of the prayer shawl has a verse. Two of the verses come from the Old Testament and two of the verses come from the New Testament. The Old Testament verses are prophetic, pointing to the Messiah.
Isaiah 53:5: But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Malachi 4:2: But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.
2 Corinthians 5:21: For our sake, God made him who knew no sin, to become sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God.
Matthew 14:36: …and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Healing in Its Wings
Now here is the amazing story that ties in these verses. Matthew 9:20-22 is the account of a woman who hemorrhaged for 12 years. She came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of his garment, for she thought is only she touched his garment, she would be healed. Matthew 9:22 says, Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” Instantly the woman was made well.
In this story, why was the woman so convinced that Jesus would heal her? Because growing up as a Jew, she would have remembered the very last prophesy of the Old Testament which is Malachi 4:2. Amazingly, this verse appears on the corner or tzitzit of the prayer shawl. Remember, tzitzit in Hebrew translate wings. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. This woman with a bleeding problem, reached for the corner or wing of Jesus tallit because she believed she would be healed; and she was! The prophesy was fulfilled in Jesus, the Messiah!
The Messianic prayer shawl is rich in its representation of tradition, prophesy, and fulfillment. I often use my prayer shawl during my morning quiet time, for it symbolizes that I am wrapped in the righteousness of Jesus. That is a fact that I never want to forget!
Thank you, Jesus, for expanding my understanding of the prayer shawl or tallit. I praise You for being the fulfillment of the law. Amen.
Questions to Consider:
- What physical reminders do you have that help you to feel closer to God?
- Study the verses sewn on the prayer shawl. What do these verses mean to you?
