To tell you the truth, I've always loved beads! But in the last few years, my appreciation has grown as I began using them in my prayer life. A couple of years ago, I discovered a little book called A Bead and A Prayer by Kristen Vincent (click here to read my post on discovering protestant prayer beads). That is where I learned that the modern English word “bead” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon “bede,” meaning “prayer.” And just like that, my love for beads grew exponentially!

Today, I am sharing just a few tips I learned from Kristen and her husband Max (you can click here to see their site and dive in a little deeper). I had a chance to connect with them both at SoulFeast this summer at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina. I really enjoyed meeting the faces behind their work and hearing how others use prayer beads in their life during their workshop.

One thing you should remember, prayer beads are simply a tool for more focused prayer. There is nothing special about the beads, although they can quickly become special as you spend time in prayer with your set.

Also, there is not a right or wrong way to pray with beads. Some people pray for a person with each bead and others say specific prayers to accompany the beads. Some read scripture and then reflect with beads in hand or pray as it relates to the passage with each bead. For me, I most enjoy simply holding the beads as I read or pray - as an anchor - to remind myself that my intention during that time is to be with God. 

Finally, whether or not you have a set of prayer beads at home, you can explore praying with beads! Pick up a simple beaded bracelet or keychain (a starting/ stopping bead is helpful if you don't have a set of prayer beads but not required if you're simply holding the beads), you may be surprised with what you have around the house. And, if you're feeling crafty, or curious, Kristen has instructions and a great model for praying with beads on her site (click here to learn how to make your own prayer beads). And yes, there is also an online store where you can discover beads already made or kits to assemble on your own!

I hope you'll plan to spend time this week exploring beads and see how they may impact your quiet time. My prayer beads are either on my nightstand or near my chair where I pray and write. And as today's passage reminds me, while I may often struggle being present, sometimes all I need is a simple reminder to do what is right. 

My prayer beads remind me to slow down and talk with God.

Breath. We all have it. Right?

If you're reading these words, I can guarantee one thing, there is breath in your lungs.

There is plenty of scripture in the Bible that tells us our breath is a gift from God. Glance below and see if any of these stand out to you:

The Lord God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils. The human came to life.  - Genesis 2:7 (CEB)

The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.  - Job 33:4 (NRSV) 

Now He drew close enough to each of them that they could feel His breath. He breathed on them: “Welcome the Holy Spirit of the living God.”   - John 20:22 (Voice)

Nor is God served by human hands, as though he needed something, since he is the one who gives life, breath, and everything else. - Acts 17:25 (CEB)

Friends, God is the giver of the breath of life! It makes so much sense for us to use this gift as a constant way to commune with our creator. I stumbled upon using my own breath in a time of crisis in my life. A time when I had nothing and no one else to cling to, my breath was there and I began praying a breath prayer that affected me deeply. At the time, I didn't know this was an ancient practice. 

A breath prayer allows us to pray a simple and intimate repetitive prayer before God. This prayer form has been practiced in the church for millennia. It is a form of contemplative prayer linked to the simple rhythms of our breathing. 

Here is how it works: 
Breathe in, calling on a biblical name or image of God that is significant to you. 
Breathe out a simple God-given desire or longing of your heart. 

That's it! With the reminder that each breath is a gift from God, our prayer becomes an opportunity to abide in union with each and every breath, to “never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 

Breath Prayer examples:
Creator, shine on me
Abba, show yourself to me
Holy One, keep me true
Jesus, give me peace
Lord, here I am
Father, guide me
Messiah, heal my heart

You could also breathe in God's word as you follow along with your scripture reading this week. Consider Monday's passage of Mark 4:26-34. Breathe in the words of that parable for yourself today. You could pray:

Inhale: God, 
Exhale: Give me faith like a mustard seed

So, how does the thought of repetitive prayer strike you? What are the up sides and down sides of repetitive prayer? How might a breath prayer be shorthand for a longer prayer of your heart? 

A prayer for you this week:
With each breath I breathe, may God's glorious, unlimited resources empower me with inner strength reminding me that Christ makes a home in my heart. May I have the insight to gain a glimpse, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep the creator's love is for me. May I experience the love of Christ fill me just as air fills my lungs, though both are too great to understand fully. May each breath remind me of the fullness of life and the power that comes from my creator. Amen.  (Based on Ephesians 3:16-19)

If you've stumbled here for the first time, welcome! On Mondays through this Fall, I'm posting a list of scriptures for reflection as well as a different way to pray each week. Pray one scripture or pray them all, this is simply an invitation to journey deeper as we explore God's peace together. Click here to find out more and join us on the journey.

Peace, Whitney