Offering Grace: Add Focus to Your Prayers

Have you been struggling with your prayers? Do they feel rushed? Do you feel like you might be missing something?

I have added Anglican Prayer Beads in to my prayer time. Did I just lose you?

I was skeptical, at first, as well. Then just before Lent, I started reading a lot about praying with these beads.

I decided that since I was going to be observing Lent, for the first time, I might as well get some beads.

Add Prayer Beads

I LOVE using them. They help me to slow down and focus more on what I am praying while I spend time rubbing each bead between my fingers.

The beads are really easy to use and, believe it or not, they are helpful for those of us with anxieties.

Start by holding the Cross. As you gently rub the cross between your fingers, say the opening prayer or Scripture.

Then you will move to the Invitatory Bead. This prayer or Scripture is where you ask the Lord to join you.

As you move around, you will say a prayer or Scripture at each of the 4 Cruciform Beads.

To Slow Down and Focus

Next, is the Weeks Beads. There are 7 in each section and 28 total. You will say a prayer or Scripture at each of the beads. Use this time to slowly repeat the Scripture or prayer. Be sure to pause before you move on to the next bead. This allows a little more time for you to focus on the prayer or Scripture.

You will then come full circle to the Invitatory Bead with a prayer or Scripture to close out your time with the Lord.

Now you are back at the cross with your final words of prayer or Scripture.

I am providing an image for you that I hope will help you. I found it online and will provide a link for you.

Matthew 6:9-13 NIV

“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’

Your turn:

Have you been struggling with your prayers?
Do they feel rushed?
Do you feel like you might be missing something?

Prayer:

Father in heaven, You are God of gods and Lord of lords (Deuteronomy 10:17). Please forgive me for the times that I struggle with knowing exactly how to pray. Forgive me for the times that I follow the world instead of turning to You in prayer. Jesus, I thank You for providing Your disciples with a prayer when they came to You asking for help on how to pray. In this gesture, it reminds me that I am not alone with my struggles. Thank You for being with me, for helping me to resist temptation and to stand up against the enemy (Matthew 6:9-13). In Jesus' name, Amen.

For a more in depth look at how to use Anglican Prayer Beads, check out these links:

Prayers and Possibilities

Unspoken Elements

Angelican Rosary Beads Image from: Open to the Divine

Below is a Sample Prayer for you. I hope you find it helpful.