Nashville Churches Expand Colorful Prayer Ribbon Tradition

The practice, which started at First Lutheran Church in 2023, has now spread to multiple downtown churches.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:51pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph featuring a fence covered in a variety of colorful prayer ribbons, with blurred silhouettes of people walking by in the background, conveying a sense of contemplation and community.The vibrant prayer ribbons adorning downtown Nashville churches serve as a visual representation of the community's collective hopes and intentions.Today in Nashville

Churches in the Nashville Downtown Church Coalition are expanding the tradition of hanging colorful prayer ribbons, a practice that started in 2023 at First Lutheran Church. The ribbons now appear outside multiple downtown churches, including First Lutheran Church, The Church of the Holy Trinity, Downtown Presbyterian, and McKendree United Methodist. The ribbons represent different prayer intentions, and the churches notice when certain colors stand out to focus their prayers.

Why it matters

The prayer ribbon tradition has become a way for the Nashville community to come together and support one another, even among strangers. It serves as a reminder that people are not alone in their struggles and that the community is praying for them.

The details

Each ribbon color represents a different prayer intention, such as blue for health and healing, white for remembrance, pink for 'God knows', green for first responders, yellow for travelers, and orange for peace in the community. When the churches notice a certain color standing out, they focus their prayers on that purpose. The ribbons that previously filled the fence at First Lutheran Church were preserved by the church as a way to honor the prayer requests.

  • The prayer ribbon tradition started at First Lutheran Church in 2023.
  • Over the past two and a half years, thousands of people have tied ribbons at First Lutheran Church.

The players

First Lutheran Church

A church in downtown Nashville that started the prayer ribbon tradition in 2023.

The Church of the Holy Trinity

A downtown Nashville church that has expanded the prayer ribbon tradition.

Downtown Presbyterian

A downtown Nashville church that has expanded the prayer ribbon tradition.

McKendree United Methodist

A downtown Nashville church that has expanded the prayer ribbon tradition.

Travis Meier

The pastor at First Lutheran Church who oversees the prayer ribbon tradition.

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What they’re saying

“Over the last two and half years we have had thousands of folks tie ribbons and it's been a wonderful, inspiring thing.”

— Travis Meier, Pastor, First Lutheran Church

“When I saw this, offering a prayer just seems like a cool project.”

— Julia Scott, Hospital Chaplain

“There is so much going on in our lives and just being able to know someone is praying for you, people do care.”

— Julia Scott, Hospital Chaplain

“Even in the midst of the busyness it can feel like a lonely place. So this in a way demonstrates solidarity. And folks walking along and with one another, and they may have never met but someone else has been here.”

— Travis Meier, Pastor, First Lutheran Church

What’s next

The churches plan to continue the prayer ribbon tradition, encouraging more community members to participate and tie ribbons representing their prayer intentions.

The takeaway

The prayer ribbon tradition in Nashville has become a unifying and uplifting community practice, allowing strangers to come together in solidarity and support one another through the simple act of tying a colorful ribbon. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of busy lives, people can find moments of connection and care.