Etymology: Middle English bede prayer, prayer bead, from Old English bed,
bebed, prayer; akin to Old English biddan to entreat, pray. From Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
As a Christian, I often struggle with staying focused when I pray. My mind seems to easily wander until I find myself thinking about things I have to do, things I want to do, things in the past, etc. I must also confess that, if I am tired, I even fall asleep. Many other Christians I talk to confess to the same experiences. At times, our minds seem to have minds of their own.
For centuries, Christians have used prayer beads to engage the body, mind, and spirit in prayer. Prayer beads hold no magical powers; they are simply tools to help us focus our minds toward God. As we move our fingers over the beads as we pray, we engage our physical body. This act helps us retain our focus on Christ and, if our mind wanders, it helps bring us back into the presence of God.
Saying prayers in a rhythmic repetition can also help facilitate meditation and calm. In Mark 14:32-42, we are told that Jesus prayed the same prayer three times in the Garden of Gethsemane. He said, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Even Jesus used repetition as way to help him stay focused.
Many of the traditional prayers for prayer beads are repetitive, while others are not. You can use prepared prayers or even your own spontaneous prayers.
Prayer Bedes mission is to encourage Christian prayer. We acknowledge that there are many forms of prayer. One form is using the rich traditions of Christian prayer beads found throughout the world to help engage our body, mind, and spirit in our prayers.