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

Kimberly Winston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008

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.

Editorial Reviews

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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About the Author

Kimberly Winston is the recipient of the 2005 American Academy of Religion Award for Best In-Depth Reporting on Religion. She has written extensively on knitting as a spiritual practice,and is the author of Fabric of Faith: A Guide to the Prayer Quilt Ministry and Faith Beyond Faith Healing: Finding Hope after Shattered Dreams. She lives in Pinole, California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819222763
• ISBN-13: 978-0819222763
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #505,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enter the world of prayer, one bead at a time., March 25, 2008

By 

Sarah "mawkinberd" (Ruston, LA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bead One, Pray Too: A Guide to Making and Using Prayer Beads (Hardcover)

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.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invitation Worth Accepting, March 23, 2008

By 

LBR Lucas (San Diego, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bead One, Pray Too: A Guide to Making and Using Prayer Beads (Hardcover)

In her most ambitious, personal, and gorgeous book yet, Kimberly Winston presents an engaging survey of the world's traditions with prayer beads, and invites us to try these tools ourselves as a way of deepening our own relationships with God.
I love Winston's writing. She has a warm, conversational way of imparting information. She educates without preaching. She offers options; she makes suggestions. There is a powerful undercurrent of kindness and affection throughout this book, as if we are all her good friends and she wants us to be happy. "Try this," she seems to be saying, "and let me know what happens."
I think I'll be referring to this book often. There's the accumulated information about various prayer traditions. There are the many prayers to help you get started. There is a practical section on making prayer beads that includes a thoughtful exploration of giving prayer beads. Perhaps best of all, there are sidebar quotes and verses on prayer that are surprising and inspiring.
A copy of this book would make a lovely gift for anyone who likes beading, is exploring spirituality, or loves prayer.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!, April 19, 2008

By 

Leigh Ann (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bead One, Pray Too: A Guide to Making and Using Prayer Beads (Hardcover)

This is a beautiful book! Every page resonates prayer and calm. I have enjoyed touching the pictures, reviewing the quotes, and considering the bead making options and history. Each word and picture is a gift! Ms. Winston's book is not about art or prescribed structure. It is about opening yourself up to a mystery bigger than yourself and feeling the presence of the divine. What a rich evocative book!