Book Review: A String & A Prayer

One of the best prayer bead books I've come across is 'A String & A Prayer - How to Make and Use Prayer Beads' by Eleanor Wiley & Maggie Oman Shannon.  It begins with a brief history of prayer beads, and moves to a chapter on creating personal meaning with symbolism, then to construction tips & tricks.  From there it goes to a section about how to use prayer beads and concluding with a series of meditations for various traditions.  I highly recommend the book to anyone wanting to explore prayer beads on a path to spiritual growth. 

See on of my favourite meditations from the book below......

Today, I remember that I am One with all.

Earth, ground and nurture me.
And connect me to the Divine Mother
Who loves and protects all her children.
Divine Mother, send your blessing of comfort and protection to....

(using the prayer beads, mention names of persons, groups, projects or nation)

Air, breathe life into me.
And connect me to the Great Spirit
Who inspires all and dwells in all.
Great Spirit, send your blessing of inspiration and serenity to...

(using the prayer beads, mention names of persons, groups, projects or nation)

Fire, enflame me with passion.
And connect me to the God/Goddess of Compassion
Who equally embraces and supports all.
God/Goddess of Compassion, send your blessing of mercy and joy to....

(using the prayer beads, mention names of persons, groups, projects or nation)

Water, cleanse and empower me.
And connect me to the Source of Life
Who flows in all and through all.
Source of Life, send your blessing of refreshment and abundance to...

(using the prayer beads, mention names of persons, groups, projects or nation)

Today I am grateful that I am One with All.

---adapted from a traditional Buddhist loving-kindness mediation by Barbara Rose Billings