How to Make Prayer Beads

How many of you know, that the word bead comes from the Anglo-Saxon word bede? Which happens to mean "PRAYER!" I think historical facts like that, make certain arts and crafts ideas that more interesting and fun. For over 2,500 years, people have used the aid of prayer beads, in spiritual practices. Whether to chant the names of saints, count during meditation or recite the rosary- prayer beads have provided a tangible object, to assert self-motivation and lasting dedication. Since ancient times, prayer beads have also been a means of measuring, devotional output and goals.

The earliest know prayer beads were made from bone, wood, olive pits, seeds, nuts and dried berries. However, through out time prayer beads have evolved from the most basic, primitive, materials. Over time, and with the aid of new discoveries and tools, people started making their prayer beads out of costly metals, amber, glass, plastic and semiprecious stones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires.

To begin, hold the Cross or End bead in the palm of your hand, and say the name of the prayer you wish to pray. After saying the name of the prayer, (like the Lord's Prayer), then move your thumb and index finger ( in a pinching, clinched, fist style clutch), to the first bead. This bead is usually slightly larger, than the other beads strung on the strand. You always want to enter the circle of the prayer beads counter clockwise. Most religious prayers move along the beads with each recited phrase or verse. Pausing then upon the following bead, as a reflection of your meditated words.

The prayer practices affiliated with the image to the right, suggests that you "pray around the circle of the beads three times (which signifies the Trinity) in an unhurried pace. Allowing the repetition to become a sort of lullaby of love and praise that enables your mind to rest and your heart to become quiet and still."