I thought prayer beads were only for Catholics. Is it okay for Protestants to use prayer beads?

By far, this is the most common question I hear! And it’s a natural question since Protestants have not been raised to use beads in prayer. There must be a good reason, right?! But if we look back in history we see that our ancestors in faith often used some type of physical object to feel a connection with God. Keep reading to learn how.

Are prayer beads biblical? What is the history of this prayer tool?

Prayer beads are a prayer tool – an object that helps people connect with God, and while beads themselves are not mentioned in the Bible, there are references to other types of prayer tools such as fringe, rods and staffs, rocks, mantles, etc.

There is a great story in Numbers 15 where the Israelites, who had been wandering in the desert for many years, feel as if God has abandoned them. God encourages them to take the fringe on their garments, hold onto it, and remember that “I AM the Lord your God.” The fringe is a tangible reminder of God’s presence.

Early Christians used pebbles and stones, knotted rope, and later, strings of beads, to “pray without ceasing,” and remember God’s presence.

How do Protestant prayer beads differ from the Catholic rosary?

The differences are in the format and use:

• Rosaries are made of five (or fifteen) sets of ten beads, while Protestant prayer beads are made of four sets of seven.

• The rosary is used to pray a particula pattern of prayers – some beads are used to pray the “Hail Mary” prayer while others are used to pray the “Our Father” (Lord’s Prayer) – whereas there is no particular formula for praying with Protestant prayer beads. They are much more free-form. My books offer a variety of suggestions for how you can pray with them.

The similarities are in the benefits of using the beads.

• Whether you pray with a rosary or with Protestant prayer beads, the beads can help you stay focused during your prayer time. And the feel of the beads in your hand can remind you of God’s presence, particularly in times of darkness.

• By repeating a particular prayer or phrase with each bead – whether the “Hail Mary” prayer for the rosary or a short phrase or verse with Protestant beads – you can quiet your mind and begin to listen to what God has to say to you. That’s the real gift of prayer beads!

I’ve been Protestant all my life. Why have I never heard of Protestant prayer beads?

Don’t worry! You didn’t miss something important in your upbringing! The Protestant prayer bead format is fairly new: it was developed in the 1980’s by a group of Episcopalians. It’s just taken a while for word to spread and the idea to gain traction. The majority of Protestants still don’t know about them. Consider yourself ahead of the curve!

So why pray with beads?

Prayer beads can help us connect with God, enrich our prayer lives, and experience God’s deep love.

How do you pray with beads?

There are a variety of ways to use them. Here are just a few.

Can I make my own prayer beads?

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage you to do so! Not only is it fun, it also provides a wonderful, creative time to think about how you want to connect with God. And using something that you have made to spend time with God can be meaningful. Check out our instructions.

Still curious? Check out my books!