I bought a Rosary today.
On this journey to discover what I believe and why I believe it, I am realizing how much I enjoy the liturgical side of Christianity.
I love hymns.
I love church.
I love tradition… in the right context.
I have never been in a church that prays the Rosary, but I love the idea behind it- specifically using the beads to free your mind from distractions while praying. Most of the major world religions use some form of prayer beads, save Protestantism.
I have wanted to buy some beads to use in prayer since month 2, Thailand, but I never found any I loved. One day, as we were walking, we ran into one of our friends, Jimmy- a street vendor and an awesome man of God. We were talking with him when I noticed he had a couple Rosaries among the necklaces he was selling. I felt prompted to buy one- so I did.
I have altered it a little, to suit my needs, and to change it from a “Rosary” to my own personal way to connect with the Lord.
So, how does it work?
Firstly, I never want this to become a formula. The secret legalist in me would love to set up a structure and the words to say every time I pray with my beads, but that’s what I am trying to avoid.
Typically, I will start with the cross. The cross helps me focus on God and slow my thoughts. This time of prayer might last a few seconds to minutes to…… depending on how busy my mind is.
After my mind is quieted, I work my way up from the cross.
The first bead is time to confess and repent.
The second through fourth, I acknowledge and thank each of the persons of the entity of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) for the separate and distinct work they are responsible for in salvation and in my life.
The last bead before the large circle is a prayer of general thankfulness.
With each of the 54 beads along the circle, I, usually, pray for something different. This part is also my main form of meditation, with an emphasis on my breathing, i.e., one bead, one breath.
I breathe in addressing God (usually saying “Father” or, sometimes, “Abba” or “Jesus”, etc.).
In the heartbeat before breathing out, God brings a person or situation to my mind and I breathe out a very short prayer for them (“I bring [insert name here] to You.” while picturing them or the specific situation). Some beads, He doesn’t bring anyone to mind so I sit in silence for that breath.
I have also meditated on one prayer specifically, going around and with each breath/bead, praying for the same thing (for my friend in the hospital, etc.).
I have also sat in silence as I traveled around the circle, listening for what God has to say to me.
Sometimes, I have a particular verse that I pray/meditate over, either once per bead, or breaking it up, depending on the length of the verse.
After I go around the circle, I head back to the cross with prayers of thanksgiving and praise.
Can I just say- this process has transformed my prayer life! Having something to absentmindedly focus on (breaths and beads) has virtually eliminated the distractions as I pray. At this point, I don’t even need/want music or anything to cover the ambient noises of wherever I am.
Also, the short time I pray on each bead keeps the words to a minimum and I focus more on the heart behind the prayer rather than overwhelming my own mind with words.
God is good!
Blessings!
-L
