My book A Bead and a Prayer is designed to introduce prayer beads to Christians who have no experience using them. In particular, it is for Protestants, since we have not been taught or encouraged to use beads in prayer. It is for the curious ones who want to know how to use them in prayer. It is for the anxious ones who worry about whether it is okay to use them. It is for the experienced ones who want to learn more about their history and use. And it is for everyone in between.

Prayer beads are a tool for prayer.

Like a hammer and nails help us to construct a house, so prayer beads help us to construct a life of connection with God. The beads are not the end; they are the means to an end, which is communion with God. So, too, I want to emphasize that prayer beads are just one of many tools to assist in prayer. Granted, not everyone needs a prayer tool. There are many people who are comfortable with prayer and have developed ways of praying that work well for them. If you are among them, I invite you to continue reading if only to learn more about the history and use of this ancient Christian prayer practice. However, many people struggle with prayer. Many, many, in fact. Their minds wander, they get bored, they wonder if they are being heard, they struggle with what to say. For them, prayer beads can help to develop rich lives of prayer, deepening their connection with God.

In my blog post, My Introduction to Praying with Beads I explain how I was first introduced to this spiritual practice. I also have a session from my book here Why Prayer Beads?.

excerpt from: A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner's Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads by Kristen E. Vincent. Copyright©2013 by Kristen E. Vincent. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books.