What is the meaning of a prayer shawl? Should we be using one today? I believe there is a lesson in this item that is relevant for today.
During the old covenant the prayer shawl was a fringe garment worn by the men on top of their regular clothes. They would typically wear this in the synagogue, during the Sabbath or Jewish holidays. The Hebrew name for this prayer shawl is “tallit”, which simply means “a robe,” “a cloak,” or “a sheet.” And the tassels are called the, “zitzit”.
This prayer shawl was a shadow of the new covenant. We even read a prophecy in the final chapter of the final book of the old testament. It reads, “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings…” (Malachi 4:2).
The tassel is called a zitzit or a wing. The tassels are the wings of the garment. Jesus cloak that had tassels on it. We read“…But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him. And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped…” (Luke 8:42-45). This was a answer to the prophecy that there was healing in His wings. I love Jesus’ response when he says, “And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (Luke 8:48). Everyone was around him but not everyone was you you can be in church but not be healed someone else could be in church and with you why because God looks at faith. God’s power was available. It is available now.
During the year 70 A.D. the temple was destroyed and much destruction took place in Israel. They lost the shade of blue to make the tassels. Many teaching include the words, “mystery” “secret” or, “hidden meaning” yet many times it is click bait to get a listener. Now the story of the prayer shaw really does have a hidden meaning.
It is very symbolic that the nation of Israel lost the blue color after they rejected Jesus as their savior. 2000 years they have lost they’ve held onto the law but they have lost the law maker. The blue of the prayer shaw speaks of heaven and the grace of God. Today you can find the blue. Seek after Jesus and receive your healing.
Remember that the prayer shawl in the old covenant is a shadow of the new covenant. While it is great to own one and even pray with it hear and there, we are not called or required to wear one. This is a great reminder of what God has done for us. May we take time to remember the Lord when we see the prayer shaw.