The Anglican Rosary

There are no set ‘formulae’ of prayers for the Anglican Rosary, allowing users to develop their own method and rhythm of prayer. The Rosary can be said either on its own individually, or as part of a group meditation. The following section will guide you through suggested ways of using the Anglican Rosary. Read the rest of this entry »

Throughout history people of all faith traditions have used various forms of prayer counters to track the number of prayers offered to God. This brief historical overview explores how the use of prayer beads developed from ancient traditions to that which we now know as the rosary. Although there are varying types of prayer beads and methods of use the aims, whether used by Christian, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist, are the same, to aid the devotee to enter into a deeper spiritual relationship with the creator of all that is, seen and unseen. Read the rest of this entry »

From the beginning of the Church prayer has been a central part of Christian living and Church life. St Luke wrote that the newly baptized devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers (Acts 2:42). St Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Th 5:17-18).

We are all called to a life of continual prayer, whether we lead secular lives, or consecrated lives as clergy, or as members of religious orders. Why are we called to a life of prayer? Simply, we desire intimacy with God, and God with us. The Psalmist eloquently writes of our longing for a relationship with God. Read the rest of this entry »

Contrary to popular legend the ‘Peace Prayer of St Francis’ was not not actually written by St Francis. However, because it embodies much of St Francis’ teaching it became attriubuted to him, though the actuall author is not known. What is known is that this prayer like many prayers for peace were inspired by the life of this holy man from Assisi. The following prayer was also inspired not only by Francis’ life but the peace prayer attributed to him. Read the rest of this entry »

One of the important aspects of the prayer bead workshops is allowing time for participants to be able to make a connection between the theoritcal, practical and spiritual. We have quiet time to set aside from others and just be with God, to see how God is speaking to us in prayer. This wonderful rosary for world peace was a result of one of the participants from a workshop in Canberra. Read the rest of this entry »

This prayer for healing inspired by the Jesus prayer shows how ancient prayers of the church can be adapted to the rhythm of the Anglican Rosary. The Jesus prayer is an ancient prayer recited since the time of the early church mothers and fathers. It is still a very strong part of orthodox christian spirituality. This adaption of Jesus prayer for healing was inspired by the work of Br Ramon ssf and Bishop Simon Barrington-Ward. Praying the Jesus Prayer Together, 2001, p.116-117 (Omnia: Glasgow). Read the rest of this entry »

This is a wonderful example of prayers that have been composed by participants in the Anglican prayer bead workshops. It shows how a person can be inspired by something simple as sitting in a garden and reflecting on the needs of the world, in this case our need to care for the environment. Read the rest of this entry »