Prayer beads used by some for better prayer.

Prayer beads have been an integral part of various Christian traditions for centuries. Prayer beads are also a regularly used tool in several other world religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism. And we all use the prayer beads for the same reason. Where they are very helpful in counting prayers, there is one more important reason. Prayer beads aid in mindfulness and focus during prayer meditation. It is due mainly to the tactile sensation. For many people, it is challenging to concentrate and focus while praying, especially since it is a moment when intrusive thoughts compete for attention—feeling the beads in your hand grounds your attention, centering it on the bead and, in effect, the prayer. The most widely used and well-recognized prayer beads in Christianity are the Roman Rosary used by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches in an official capacity. In the Episcopal Church USA, we have Anglican Prayer Beads, also known as the Anglican Rosary. The Episcopal Church USA has not made praying with Anglican Prayer Beads an official church-wide practice; however, many Anglo-Catholic Episcopalians, like myself, have adopted them and sometimes gather in groups to pray with them. There are a few prayers that have been informally designated the main prayers to use the beads for, but the best part is that prayers are encouraged to create their own personal, unique prayers to fit them. Another critically important use of prayer beads is their repetition. (e.g., 10 "hail Mary's" in a row, pause for the Lord's prayer, then 10 more consecutive "hail Mary's). Repetition is a major way our minds really take things in more deeply, as well as create a habit. Prayer beads are not for everybody, and many people may not need them. For me, the prayers for the Anglian Rosary have enhanced my spiritual life and ability to meditate more than anything else mindfully. I also love the freedom to create my own prayers to use with them.

God's peace be with you.