MAROA - The Prayers & Squares quilt ministry is called "a gift from God" by Sue Rogers, coordinator of the group at Maroa United Methodist Church.

The purpose is to promote prayer through the use of quilts. Since April 2004, the group has made 132 quilts for gifts to sick babies, cancer and AIDS patients, adults and children facing surgery or personal crisis and anyone in special need of prayer. Requests have come from the community and throughout the United States.

"When we finish a quilt, it hangs in the back of the sanctuary," Rogers said. "Stitches are taken through the quilt layers with the ends left free to be tied with a square knot. Churchgoers tie each knot, saying a silent prayer."

Each quilt has a cross on the back.

"I'm so proud that we're doing this," said Virginia Lienhart, a group member from its beginning.

Sue Rogers' daughter, Leesa Hagen of Belleville, brought one of the blankets to her father, John Rogers, when he was battling cancer. The church group decided it was a worthy project.

"There are 398 nondenominational chapters in Prayers & Squares, which started in California in 1992, and we're the third chapter to be organized in Illinois," Sue Rogers said. "It's a wonderful ministry and very successful. All of our funds come from donations."

The women work from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. In addition to Rogers and Virginia Lienhart, the group usually includes Betty Coen, Hazel Agee, Joyce Tibbs, Cindy Hoffman, Ruth Ann Wilson, Mary Leach and Virginia Crouch.

"We all find something to do," Rogers said. "Everybody is faithful. It works. God gives us the inspiration. "

The Rev. Terry Westerfield of Maroa United Methodist Church praises the project: "This expresses how the congregation takes prayer very seriously in answering the needs of the church family. They've drawn a lot of people into this activity. It's a fantastic effort."

The church has nearly 300 members.

Bob Fallstrom can be reached at bfallstrom@;herald-review.com or 421-7981.