Prayer Beads 2017

PRAYERS IN MY POCKET I was first introduced to praying with beads during a small group study at church a few years ago. It had been suggested to me as a helpful method to add to my prayer life. While already being into beading - making bracelets, necklaces, and such - while also liking color, shape, texture, and working with my hands, this sounded like an instant calling for me. I took a strand of recently purchased carnelian beads, restrung them on some floss, and gave it a try. While keeping my mind on the straight and narrow was still difficult, the beads in my hand brought me back to my intended purpose more quickly. So I went out to see if I could find more information about prayer beads. The use of beads in religious practices, mainly in keeping track of specific prayers or the number of petitions, may go as far back as Hindu practices in 8th century B.C.E. Buddhism and Islam followed suit. Judaism has not used beads, but many Jews touch the knots on their prayer shawls at specific points in their prayers, using the knots instead of beads as touchpoints. It was natural that some form of those knots or beads for ritual praying would grow out of these ancient customs, and thus evolve into the rosary, which is still a common practice of today. Praying with beads has now become popular beyond the Catholic Church's use of the rosary and many new styles of prayer beads have been created. With these things in mind and my love of crafting, I experimented a bit and eventually began to create the type of prayer beads brought to you here - a simple strand of colorful, uniquely shaped beads with a Christian symbol on one end. Each bead can have a different purpose, and you can revisit the length of the strand as many times as necessary to complete your conversations with God. As time has gone on, I have found that having those beads in my pocket makes it easy to send thoughts to God as they enter my head; just brushing my pocket and feeling the beads is a constant reminder that God is always with me. This, however, is more than just my story. There is a message here for all of us - be alert, be watchful, listen, and be ready. You never know when God is going to tap you on the shoulder or touch your heart. Maybe the Holy Spirit will whisper in your ear. You may find a whole new, unexpected, and exciting way to serve. It is my wish that each one of you who chooses one of my strands of beads may find they are a meaningful, positive addition to your prayer life. Blessings and peace to all. Linda Utecht [email protected]