At the most recent gathering of Souls Together, our monthly prayer and discussion group about living into our faith in these times of crisis and division, Bishop Scanlan and the Rev. Kevin Barron discussed with a large group of participants some practical tools to steady us and keep us grounded in our faith and connected to God. Some of these included:
- A simple walk through nature, focusing on trees, birds, mountains or sky, communing with the beauty and order of God’s creation.
- Participating in the Daily Office (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer) in person or via the many offerings online.
- Keeping a daily text chain with family or friends with short messages of support such as “Good morning friends, please know I am praying for you and holding you in my heart today.” Or a simple, “Hope you have a great day, love you.”
- Partaking in Eucharist whenever possible.
- Extending hospitality: inviting friends over for a potluck, game night, or book group.
- Reciting powerful prayers such as litanies for healing.
One of the most beautiful tools in our toolbox is something many of us have possibly never heard of: Anglican Prayer Beads, sometimes called The Anglican Rosary. Similar in look to a Catholic Rosary, the Anglican version has fewer beads (33, one for each year of Jesus’s life) which are generally bigger and quite pleasing to hold. Luckily, we have someone in our own diocese who loves to teach us how to use the beads.
The Rev. Lisa Work of Christ Memorial, Danville, offers a primer and instructions on the various ways we can pray the Anglican Rosary, which is designed to be flexible and changeable to our circumstances. One day we might use them to meditate; another we might recite pre-written prayers. Check out Rev. Work’s guide to the prayer beads and watch her video tutorial. Christ Memorial even offers handmade prayer beads lovingly crafted by members of the parish.