What is the Prayer Flag Project?

First, what is a prayer flag?
The tradition of flying a prayer flag, or a colored square of cloth sending messages of good will into the universe, carried by the energy of the wind has existed in Tibet, China, Persia and India. More recently, churches in the US have hung individually made prayer flags in fellowship halls and schools have instructed children on the making of a prayer flag. When Buddhists make and fly prayer flags, the flags are created by individuals who are requesting nothing for themselves. Prayer flags are always made for the benefit of others.

Why a prayer flag?
Several years ago, while trekking through the Mt. Everest district of Nepal, we were struck by the beauty and the sound of brightly colored prayer flags flapping noisily in the wind. The picture below was taken from that trip. When we learned that prayer flags are always made for others, it struck a cord.

Because sometimes in life we must deal with things that are painful and for which there can be no quick fix. It can feel overwhelming. Knowing that someone out there who doesn't know you, yet is still making a small effort on your behalf, well, it can start a healing process. We are not all of one religion, some of us of no religion, but a conglomerate of many people with diverse beliefs.

How do I get one?
It's simple, really. You just ask for one. Send us an email or a letter about the nature of what is bothering you, or don't. Just send us a request and we will make you one. We aren't professionals. We are mothers, sons, secretaries, lawyers, doctors, paralegals and college students. We've suffered at points in our lives too. We will mail one to you as soon as we can. Sometimes we get many requests and can only do so many at a time.

Please give us your mailing address with the request.

For each prayer flag we make for you, we make a second one for you as well, and fly it for you out on a hill in North Central Florida.

When will I receive my prayer flag?
We can't tell you. We all work full time and most of us are raising children. We do this in our spare time. We meet weekly to make the flags but sometimes the demand is just too much for us to be timely. Be patient.

What will it look like?
It will be a small square of cloth with twine enough to tie on a tree. We seal our prayer flags with cloth glue. We suggest if you are in a harsh environment you consider stitching the corners to assure the prayer flag stays affixed to the twine.

How can I help?
If you aren't very good at sewing, like us, the easiest way to do it is to buy a yard or two of colorful cloth, red, yellow, blue, green, and cut a square approximately l4 inches x l2 inches. Decorate the square with paint, buttons, beads, whatever strikes your fancy.

If you'd like to help, please send us an email and we can provide you with the information of individuals who have contacted us requesting a flag be made for them.