Does Your Prayer Life Need a Boost?

• Do you want a closer relationship with God?
  
• Do you feel your prayers lack direction?
  
• Do you find it difficult to unwind from a busy day and listen to what God is saying?
  

"Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

If you answered yes to any of the above, Anglican Prayer Beads might be right for you.

The repetition of prayer and the rhythm of the beads bring us into close, personal communion with God. We are able to focus on the presence of God by using prayer beads as a meditation technique. As we become familiar with the pattern of prayer, we realize the flexibility the beads provide for praying. The prayers can be tailored to meet specific needs either alone or in a group setting. We don’t have to wonder how long to pray, what to say, or worry about being distracted by other concerns.

Prayer is both spiritual and tangible. As we move from bead to bead, during prayer, the rhythmic movement of the beads through our fingers, keeps our minds from wandering and centers us in our prayers.

Prayer beads have been in existence for centuries and have been used by many faiths. Lately, Anglicans and other Protestants have begun to use beads to assist in meditation with God.

Anglican prayer beads were created in the 1980’s by an Episcopal priest, Rev. Lynn Bauman. He discovered the need for an aid during prayer when he conducted contemplative prayer groups.

Anglican Prayer Beads

Anglican Prayer Beads consist of 33 beads, representing the years of Jesus’ life on earth and are symbolic and representative of the Christian faith.

They are divided into four groups as follows:

Seven smaller “Week” beads, which can represent the days of Creation, the seasons of the Church year, the seven Sacraments, or the seven Last Words from the Cross.

Four “Cruciform Beads" divide the four sets of Week beads. The 4 Cruciform Beads (when the beads are opened in a circle) form the points of an imaginary cross and are symbolic of our salvation, the number of weeks in a month, the four points of the compass, the four Evangelists, or the Four Cardinal Virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) and the four elements (earth, water, wind, and fire).

The “Invitatory Bead" is prayed after the cross. As it's name implies, it invites us into the circle of prayer and contemplation just like the Invitatory begins a church service, calling us to worship.

The “Cross” is the beginning and ending of our beads. It is a memorial to Our Savior's suffering and death, and a symbol of our redemption, reminding us to “live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.” (Eph. 5:2)

How to pray with Anglican Prayer Beads

Memorize the prayers to be used, if possible; this frees us from having to remember what to say next.

Make adequate time for your prayer; find a quiet, comfortable place to pray; close your eyes if you wish.

You may want to start by making the sign of the Cross while holding the cross in your hand; or just saying "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" while holding the "Cross".

Say a prayer on the "Invitatory Bead", “inviting” God to be present and to make you aware of that presence during your prayer.

After the prayer on the Invitatory bead, move to the "First Cruciform Bead" and say the designated prayer, focusing on the meaning of the words; then move unhurriedly through each of the "Weeks Beads" with their designated prayer(s), repeating the cruciform prayer each time you come to the "Cruciform Beads".

The beads should be prayed three times which is representative of the Trinity. (though this isn't necessary - just significant)

If you pray the round three times, after the last set of "Weeks Beads" on each cycle, move back to the "Invitatory Bead" and say an appropriate prayer on it before returning to the "First Cruciform Bead" again. On the last round, say the last "Invitatory Bead" prayer, and a final closing prayer on the "Cross", completing the round of 100 beads.

After finishing the cycle of beads, remain in quiet contemplation for a few minutes before resuming daily life.

**Note about these instructions**

I know these instructions sound complicated but it is really very easy to pray when you are holding a set of beads. Look at the diagram above, which will help you to visualize a set of beads.

How to Pray Using Anglican Prayer Beads

The following gives a more detailed explanation on how to pray with Anglican Prayer Beads.

This sample prayer (drawn from the Book of Common Prayer) illustrates one of many possibilites for prayer. Prayer, with beads, is very flexible and is often written to suit the particular need of the moment. I will post many such examples in the following days. I have not written any of them, though I have compiled many with text drawn from other sources. Many prayers can be found online, or you can write them yourself, once you become familiar with this method of praying. If you keep the prayers simple, it is very easy to relax, open your mind and heart, and feel the rhythm of the beads.

While holding the "Cross" say: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

On the "Invitatory Bead" pray the following words:
Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

When you reach a "Cruciform Bead" pray the following words on each:
Oh, Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon me.
Oh, Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon me.
Oh, Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant me thy peace.

On each of the 7 "Week Beads" pray the following words:
Almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless me and keep me. Amen.

Continue around the circle of beads saying the appropriate prayers for the bead that you are touching.

At the conclusion of the circle of beads, you may either repeat the circle of prayer 2 more times, to signify the Trinity, or exit by reciting The Lord's Prayer while, once again, holding the cross.

Prayer of "ACTS"

"ACTS" stand for the following: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

To use Anglican Prayer Beads to say the Prayer of ACTS, the following (or any variation) might be used.

At the "Cross": In the name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

At the "Invitatory Bead": Oh God make speed to save me. Oh Lord make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

At the 1st "Cruciform Bead": (Adoration) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Each of the 1st set of 7 "Week Beads": Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me. Bless his holy name.

At the 2nd "Cruciform Bead": (Confession) Almighty God, forgive me for my sins committed in thought, word, and deed; and for not loving you with my whole heart. I ask your forgiveness in Jesus' name.

Each of the 2nd set of "Week Beads": Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

At the 3rd "Cruciform Bead": Thank you Lord for your unfailing love and the blessings you so richly bestow upon me.

Each of the 3rd set of "Week Beads": On each bead, thank God for something wonderful he has done in your life.

At the 4th "Cruciform Bead": (Supplication) Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.

Each of the 4th set of "Week Beads" Say prayers of request and intercession, etc. on each bead.

At the Exit "Cross": The Lord's Prayer

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for Before Bed

While holding the "Cross:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen

At the "Invitatory Bead":
Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim Your praise.

At the "Cruciform Beads":
Guide me waking, O Lord, and guard me sleeping; that awake I may watch with Christ, and asleep I may rest in peace.

At the "Week Beads":
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on me.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on me.
Jesus, redeemer of the world, give me your peace.

At the exit "Cross": Recite The Lord's Prayer.