Praying with Prayer Beads
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There are times when we want to be free of our bouncing thoughts in order to become inwardly still. There are times when we want our focus to be as piercing as a laser beam. There are times when we do not want any disturbance to interrupt our intention. An external aid can often help us find the peace and focus we seek. For centuries, in all religions, beads and prayer ropes have been such an aid. While the most familiar use of prayer beads is as a counter for the number of prayers said, its use far extends its abacus function. Prayer beads are used to help channel the mind’s energy to a single point with each bead representing a mantra or a prayer. As the user moves their fingers along the beads they are connecting mind and body in such a way that the soul is able to break free to be still in the presence of God. The fingering of the beads keeps the mind and body engaged so that the soul can enter the depths of divine love.
—from Strength for the Journey: A Guide to Spiritual Practice by Renée Miller |