Sharon Scanlan and Nancy Yob
In February 2022, Vista Adult Education offered the first Protestant Prayer Bead class. Twelve women attended that class, an informal Prayer Bead Ministry was formed, and we didn’t even know it had begun. Many of us made Prayer Beads for our family and friends. As we began using them ourselves and making them for others, we realized what a wonderful tool they were for calming our spirits and connecting us with God. They are helpful, especially when we’re feeling fidgety and restless.
A small group met in July 2022 to make small sets of Prayer Beads to give out to members and visitors of Vista. As we were creating and sharing our experiences with the beads, we understood that we wanted—needed—to do more. We decided to establish an official Vista de la Montaña Prayer Bead Ministry. Starting the first of September 2022, we placed small sets of Prayer Beads on the Sanctuary entry table for any member to take for themselves or someone they know who has a need for prayer. The beads are packaged with a short description of how to use them. There is no wrong way! The group is also working with Chaplains at Davis-Monthan and the Air National Guard to provide beads for men and women being deployed to various posts.
Full sets of Prayer Beads consist of:
* A cross or other pendant
* One large bead, called the “Invitatory” bead—reminds us that God invites us to a time of prayer. We can use this bead to begin our prayer—like our Call to Worship.
* A Resurrection bead to focus on Christ’s gift to us of eternal life.
* There are four more large beads, called “Cruciform” beads.
* Between each of the Cruciform beads is a set of seven smaller beads, called “week” beads.
Small sets consist of only two sets of “week” beads, and are easy to carry in a pocket, purse, or keep in the car.
The team meets frequently to make prayer beads as a community mission of this church. After the prayer beads are completed, the group prays over them for the future owners. It is their prayer that these beads will bring comfort in times of trouble and help deepen relationships with God.
When the Israelites felt lost and afraid, God gave them a prayer tool of knotted fringe. The fringe helped them stay focused on God. Have you ever felt lost or does your mind wander during prayer? Prayer Beads can help. If you would like to explore the history of the beads, and create your own unique set or start your own Prayer Bead Ministry in your church, you may contact Nancy Yob at [email protected]