Prayer Bead Bracelets

Items needed: 10 large wooden beads (large) -OR- 7 large wooden beads (small), 1 medium wooden bead (large) -OR- 2 medium wooden beads (small), 1 small cross bead, 12″ Clear Stretch Magic Bead & Jewelry Cord – 1.5mm, scissors

Large bracelet:

1.  Thread the stretchy string through the cross so that half of the string is on each side.

2.  Thread both ends through the medium round bead. 

3.  Thread one end through five larger beads; thread the other end through the remaining large beads.

4.  Tie the string using three overhand knots.  Trim the ends close to the knot.

Small bracelet:

1.  Thread the stretchy string through the cross so that half of the string is on each side.

2.  Thread one end through one medium round bead; thread the other end through the second medium bead.

3.  Thread one end through three larger beads; thread the other end through four larger beads.

4.  Tie the string using three overhand knots.  Trim the ends close to the knot.

Prayer Practice:  Prayer Bead Thanksgivings with Your Household

My husband, Patrick Sipes of The Forming Spirit, prays with beads on a consistent basis while he drives.  I owe the idea of praying beads in this way to him.  We suggest doing this as a group, but it can easily be adapted to personal use.  This week, focus on thanksgivings, but you could also pray for different people on each bead, offer confessions on each bead, ask for help, etc.

1.  Make sure that each member of your family has a set of beads to pray.

2.  Tell your family that this week, we are going to focus on giving thanks to God.  We will each take turns telling God something we are thankful for. 

3.  Begin your prayers by holding the cross and saying (repeat-after-me), “We begin our prayers in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” 

4.  The first person prays their thanksgiving to God.  When that person has prayed, everyone responds, “Thanks be to God,” and holds one bead.

3.  The next person shares their thanksgiving, everyone responds, “Thanks be to God,” and moves on to hold the next bead. 4.  Continue until you run out of beads.  Then, hold the cross while you pray the Lord’s Prayer together.