A BEAD AND A PRAYER introduces Protestants to prayer as a way to connect with God. Readers will explore the history and art of using beads in prayer, discover ways to pray with beads, and learn how beads can help them deepen their faith, understand Christian beliefs, and listen to God. Instructions for making prayer beads are included. Great for Christians with no experience in using beads for prayer, Sunday school classes, women's groups, prayer groups. Youth and children will also enjoy making prayer beads, led by someone using this book as a guide.
MY THOUGHTS:
This lovely book is clearly a labour of love for the author.
Kristen Vincent's personal story starts the book, describing how her own mania for prayer beads started, eventually leading her to set up a successful business. There was a lot of destiny about it. I like true stories which are full of unexpected serendipity that leads a person down a completely new path.
It's a very balanced book. In another chapter, she discusses the sound theory behind using prayer beads for our personal devotion times, making it clear why she recommends them. Then in another, she gives detailed instructions, with diagrams, on how to make our own.
Best of all is how she sensitively bridges the gap between different Christian denominations which have a history of keeping themselves separate from each other. It's great for somebody from one of the Protestant traditions to research a practise mostly associated with the Catholic faith. It's sad when people keep themselves from something which may benefit them, out of fear of distrust. Good on her for telling us about her conclusion.
I received a copy from NetGalley and Upper Room Books in return for an honest review
3.5 stars
A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner's Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads available from Amazon
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