Answering some basic questions about "Prayer Shawl" by Min. Oche Ogebe

 

The prayer shawl, also known as a Tallit, has  sparked questions among Christians regarding its usage, significance, and biblical stance. I saw some words posted by Min. Oche Ogebe as regard the Tallit and I decided to share it on my blog. 

Let’s explore some frequently asked questions and provide answers rooted in Scripture.

1. Is it a sin to wear a prayer shawl?

Answer: No, it is not a sin.  

There is no biblical command that prohibits wearing a prayer shawl. In fact, God instructed the Israelites to wear garments with fringes (tzitzit) as reminders of His commandments:  

Numbers 15:38-40 – “Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners.”  

While this instruction was specifically given to Israel, wearing such a garment is not sinful for Christians. It is a matter of personal choice.

2. Is it mandatory to wear one?

Answer: No, it is not mandatory.  

Wearing a prayer shawl is not required for salvation or effective prayer.  

Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  

Faith in Christ—not clothing—determines one’s standing before God.

3. Can a Christian wear a prayer shawl?

Answer: Yes, a Christian can wear a prayer shawl.  

There is no prohibition against Christians wearing a Tallit. Clothing does not define our faith; our relationship with Christ does.  

Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

4. Does wearing it make someone Jewish?

Answer: No, it does not.  

Wearing a Tallit does not change a person’s identity in Christ.  

1 Corinthians 7:19 – “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.”  

Our identity is defined by faith in Christ, not by external garments.

5. Will prayers be answered faster if you wear it?

Answer: No, prayers are not answered based on clothing.  

God answers prayers based on faith and righteousness, not on external tools.  

James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”  

Matthew 6:7 – “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”  

A prayer shawl can be a meaningful tool but is not a shortcut to answered prayers.

6. Can a prayer shawl become a mantle?

Answer: Yes, if God wills.  

God can use physical objects for His purpose, but the power always comes from Him, not the object itself.  

2 Kings 2:13-14 – “Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him… and struck the water with it. ‘Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?’ he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.”  

A Tallit may be symbolic, but it holds no power apart from God’s will.

7. Should we idolize the prayer shawl?

Answer: No. Worship belongs to God alone, not objects.  

Exodus 20:3-5 – “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol… You shall not bow down to them or worship them.”  

The Tallit is a tool for worship, not an object of worship.

8. Can it be sold to those who want it?

Answer: Yes, selling religious garments is not sinful.  

Acts 16:14 – “One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth… The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.”  

Commerce in itself is not wrong, as long as such items are not misrepresented as spiritually superior.

9. Should someone stop selling it because others are uncomfortable?

Answer: No. Follow your convictions.  

If someone is uncomfortable, they can choose not to use it. However, others should have the freedom to decide for themselves.  

Romans 14:5 – “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.”

Final Thoughts

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”  

Christianity is rooted in grace, not external garments. As long as the Tallit is not idolized, there is no harm in wearing or selling it.

It’s surprising how much energy is spent debating minor issues instead of focusing on the weightier matters of faith. A simple, respectful conversation often resolves misunderstandings. Let’s focus on Christ and not be distracted by unnecessary controversies.