Bead One, Pray Too: A Guide to Making and Using Prayer Beads

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 192 pages
• Published by: Morehouse Publishing April 1, 2008
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0819222763
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0819222763
• Book Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.8 pounds

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Part history, part missal and part crafting how-to, this is a treasure trove of faith and spiritual contemplation. Winston, an award-winning religion journalist, occasional PW contributor and avid beader, takes readers on a fascinating journey through the tradition of prayer beads. From the third century B.C. through the late 20th century, she touches on a variety of world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, the Baha'i faith and others. A thorough introduction to both the Catholic and Anglican rosaries, complete with stunning photographs and instructional diagrams, rounds out the historical portion of the text. The second part, which is even more inviting, reveals myriad ways to use the tactile to reach the spiritual. From poems to psalms to saints, Winston offers bead-by-bead suggestions, all the time emphasizing that prayer beads are a tool for prayer and not an object of devotion they are not there to be the focus of your prayers, but to help you focus your prayers. Practically, the final section provides the nitty-gritty of tools, materials and techniques necessary for creating individual rosaries and chains, complete with resources for choosing and finding particular types of beads. The combination of Winston's personal anecdotes with her obvious knowledge of and love for the practice makes this a lovely addition to any praying person's repertoire. (Mar.)
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Product Description
In stories and pictures, this book shows how people of all faith traditions use prayer beads as a spiritual tool and a means of expressing their creativity. Every major world religion has a tradition of praying with beads and all are explored here, including the history and use of beads and specific prayers. Describes in detail and with diagrams how to make sets of prayer beads for personal use.

Reader Reviews
I read a lot of books on different forms of religion, as well as meditation and prayer. And I have had an interest in malas and other types of prayer beads. So when I saw that my boss had ordered this book for our library, I was psyched. I couldn't wait to dip into it. And wow, am I glad I did. Not only is the format friendly and well-planned, with plenty of beautiful color photos and quotes, but it is also quietly non-judgmental and refreshingly open to a variety of influences. I really enjoyed that the author didn't just spend a lot of time telling about how she liked to bead without covering other important "stuff." It's nice to have a researched history, for example, that covers different faith traditions. And a section on prayers that are particularly tailored to the Anglican rosary, which is her main focus throughout, although she touches on others as well. I was especially glad to see a nice list of websites that carried other pertinent information and lovely, lovely beads to shop. In short, I was glad she covered all the bases. I don't own this book yet, but I have a feeling it won't be long before I do... it's just too good to pass up. And I definitely look forward to recommending it to my patrons at my library.