One, two, three, four, five, six...
Throughout history man has found numerous ways to count; including the use of fingers, pebbles, berries and beads. Counting is something we do as Catholics. We say a specific number of prayers as part of our devotions. We pray the Rosary on rosaries, we say Chaplet Devotions on chaplets (or on rosaries), and we count our sacrifices on sacrifice beads (or on chaplets). Keeping count of prayers and sacrifices has become second nature to faithful Catholics.
Historical Background
Have you every wondered about the history behind the use of beads in prayer? I recently started thinking about this topic, and I found a few insightful internet resources. I was surprised to discover that peoples of many faiths use beads in prayer. Start by reading the Catholic Encyclopedia article at New Advent - Use of Beads at Prayers. The following two articles also take a historical look at prayer beads: Prayer Beads (Wikipedia) and Prayer Beads An Ancient Devotion (NCR).
Benefit of Using Prayer Beads
The folks at Beads of Inspiration give several reasons why beads are helpful for prayer:
Prayer beads can offer a focus point, a way of keeping the mind still while praying.
Prayer beads can provide an "anchor," something solid to hold onto.
Prayer beads are a way of allowing prayer to be physical, or kinesthetic, as well as mental and vocal.
Prayer beads have been used in many religions and for hundreds of years. In using prayer beads we touch the traditions and heritage of the ages.
Prayers with prayer beads can be ancient or modern, prepared or spontaneous, individual or communal; prayer beads do not limit our praying.
Rosary
Most Catholics are familiar with rosary beads and praying the Rosary. From time to time, though, it is nice to have a refresher. A wealth of links on the Rosary can be accessed at the Catholic Pages Directory.
Chaplet
"The term Chaplet is used commonly to designate Roman Catholic prayer forms which use prayer beads, but are not necessarily related to the Rosary. Some of these chaplets have a strong Marian connotation, others are more directly related to Jesus or the Saints. Chaplets are considered "personal devotionals," and there is no set form and therefore they vary considerably. Often they have fewer beads than a traditional Rosary, and a different set of prayers." (Source: Wikipedia)
For additional information, and links to chaplet prayers, I'll once again refer you to the Catholic Pages Directory.
Sacrifice Beads
"Sacrifice Beads (also known as Good Deed Beads or St. Therese Beads) spring from a practice from the childhood of Marie-Francoise-Therese Martin, better known as St. Therese of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face."... "The most typical actual chaplet consists of a string of 10 beads, with a Crucifix at one end, symbolizing our taking up our Crosses and going the Way of Christ."...
"They are kept in one's pocket, secretly, and when one mentally offers up something to God in union with Christ's sufferings on the Cross, one slides one of the beads toward the Crucifix. The beads are constructed such that when they are moved, they remain where they are put. Some Sacrifice Beads consist of 15 beads, with 3 beads of a different color evenly interspersed among them, each representing one of the Three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity. Each time 5 regular beads are moved toward the Crucifix, one of the Trinity beads is automatically moved, too, symbolizing our participation, by grace, in life of the Most Holy Trinity, and reminding us that any good we do is because of God alone.Some people use the beads simply, by just moving one toward the Crucifix for each Sacrifice, but a more challenging and fruitful way of using them is to move a bead back toward the medal for each sin one commits along the way. This is a good way of examining one's conscience all throughout the day." Read More
