the use of prayer beads
I was talking to one of the AA retreatants this morning. She was talking about trying to get herself settled so she could meditate. Meditation can come in many forms but many people think it has to be ‘just so’ for it to be meditation. Actually we meditate many times through out the day. For instance when listening to music that is truly loved and appreciated will bring our focus to the music, be it Gospel, or gentle piano concertos, or whatever one loves. It can touch us deeply because we allow ourselves to be relaxed and present to what we are listening to. So meditation is a form of listening. The same goes for movies, if we get caught up in it, the heart is often touched if the movie is about the human condition and not some silly horror movie to give us the thrill of being afraid in a safe place.
Conscious mediation is difficult because it is more disciplined and focused. The young lady I was speaking to was not really sure what she believed, though the ‘Higher Power” concept of AA seemed to be helping her. The genius of AA is that “God’ which is a loaded word is not used in the meetings that are open to all. Of course Christian AA meetings will use the name of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Father during their meetings. When they go to a meeting other than Christian, they will use the term “Higher Power”.
As we talked she asked me a few questions about meditation. Her mind was so active that she could not settle in. So we talked about using beads and I showed her my wrist rosary and we talked about that. We covered how to use prayer beads. For instance the simple holding of the beads and gently moving it back and forth is soothing and calms the body down. It is a way to get rid of physical stress. Then I asked her if she had a word she could gently repeat while using the beads. So she came up with “God, love”, which is a good start. One way to use the beads I related to her is to say the “God, love” very slowly while gently holding the beads, just one bead at a time, without worrying about saying all of them, just do it, concentrate on the words without force, when the mind drifts gently come back to the words. It will eventually come from the heart and as time goes on, prayer will become a habit through out the day. However it is a discipline. Also the beads can be used when driving etc., as long as it can be done in a way that does not distract from driving.
While we did not talk about this, it is important to note. One very good way to mediate is to use prayer beads while walking slowly, or fast, as long as it has a rhythm, and to gently say the words and focus while doing this. In stead of listening to music, simply pray quietly while allowing the bead to keep the bodies attention.
Praying can be hard work. By prayer I also mean meditation, for if one is seeking God to quiet the mind is necessary I believe. Talking to God is also important, but after a while the mind and spirit want to just be in silence before God, the God who is calling us always to center on His love and infinite compassion.
I asked the young lady if she would like me to make her some prayer beads. She said yes so I made her some. I hope she can use it with patience and grow in inner openness to the Spirit of God which blows where it will.
For me the prayer beads (or prayer rope or rosary) is one of my main sources of prayer. It calms down my mind and imagination and allows me to be centered on the moment. I use this type of prayer in many ways. While at the airport or some busy place, this kind of prayer is centering and stops me from being scattered. When I sit my mind can become quiet while I also am aware of the bead or knot between my fingers and the gentle saying of the words open up my heart.
However, for many this kind of prayer is not good, so it is important to listen to what one really needs. If someone is compulsive by nature, this kind of prayer can become a burden and simply tire one out……we each must find what is best for us to pray.
When we pray, it is always a response to grace’s prompting.
Br. Mark Dohle, OCSO
Holy Spirit Monastery
