A couple weeks ago, I was doing laundry when I opened up the laundry door and my prayer beads fell out. I thought I had lost my prayer beads months ago between one of my moves.
I was given these prayer beads in the summer of 2023 during Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). CPE is an intensive program where you spend time in a long term care facility or hospital as a chaplain providing care to other people. When you are not providing care to other people you are spending time with a cohort of people learning and debriefing what you are experiencing. I had never received such a special and meaningful gift like this before. I was excited that I found my prayer beads again.
What I find most fascinating about the prayer beads is that there is not one way to use or understand them. In researching to find out more about these prayer beads I found out there are many ways one can use this in their own life. Some people use them for meditation, to focus their mind, and to pray. Some people have very specific prayers they use for each one of the beads. These include prayers of praise, thankfulness, and forgiveness. I do not have specific prayers with my beads, but I am comforted by knowing that I can use them in so many different ways. I often carry them in my bag with me so that way I can hold them in my hands as a way to remind me of God’s love.
In scripture, Jesus prays for his disciples, after healing people, in front of others, and even alone. Prayer was a crucial part of the life of Jesus. The example of Jesus is an invitation to all of us to think about the different ways we can pray and connect with God in our own lives. You might best connect to God by going on a walk, listening to music in your car, having quiet time in the mornings, or dancing. I constantly pray for the ministry here at Lord of Life Lutheran Church and pray for all of you on your journey of prayer.
What ways do you connect with God in your prayer life? How does that bring you comfort and reassurance in your own life? Do you have any physical items as a part of your journey?
However and wherever you pray, may you continue to feel the presence of God.
Always praying,
Pastor Nicole