Introduction to the Anglican Rosary (Credit: Franciscan.org.

au)

Anglican Prayer Beads (Rosary) arose out of a contemplative

prayer group lead by Rev. Lynn Bauman from the Episcopal
church in the United States. Since its inception in the 1980’s
it has grown in popularity among those seeking to enrich
their prayer life.

As there is no set ‘formulae’ for the Anglican Rosary people

can develop prayers for use with the Rosary that reflect their
own spiritual journey. The Rosary then becomes simply a
tool to aid in prayer life. It becomes a way to deepen one’s
prayer life by encouraging not only the mind but the body to
participate in prayer. The prayers keep the mind focused and
the passing of beads through the fingers keeps the body engaged in prayer also.

The Anglican Rosary is made up of a Cross and a total of 33 beads; 1 Invitatory Bead, 4 Cruciform Beads
and 4 groups of 7 Week Beads. The design is rich in symbolism reminding the user of key tenets of
Christian faith and tradition. The total number of beads is 33, the number of years of Christ’s life on
earth, reminding us that Jesus is the source of our faith. The Cross recalls the saving grace of God; that
God acts in our lives to bring us into the Kingdom of God. The Invitatory bead calls us to prayer; to pray
without ceasing. The four Cruciform beads form the shape of a cross, again reminding us of the
centrality of Christ in our lives. They also refer to the four points of the compass, the four elements, and
the four seasons of the year. Thus we recall our connection with God, the earth, creation and Jesus’
great commission to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The seven Week beads represent the
seven days of creation, the days of the week, the seasons of the liturgical year and the seven sacraments
of the church. Again we recall our connection with God, the creator of all that is. We are also reminded
that prayer is the centre Christian life; in our daily prayers and in the liturgy and sacraments of the
church. The circular nature of the Rosary formed by the Cruciform and Week beads remind us of the
sense of completeness or wholeness that one gains from a deep relationship with God which is achieved
through our personal prayer life, and through our communal prayer life with the church.

How to Pray with the Anglican Rosary (Credit: Anglican Diocese of British Columbia)

Begin on the Cross with a brief invocation – e.g. “in the Name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” You
may wish also to make the sign of the cross.

On the invitatory, you offer a prayer that summarizes your intention. Many find the Lord’s Prayer to be
helpful here.

The Cruciform knots/beads serve as places of rest and remembering your intention, and should
emphasize the purpose of your prayer.

The Weeks are the yearning of your heart toward God. The Weeks prayer should be concise.
It is usual to pray three times around the circle of prayer, and then to return to the invitatory. A
repetition of the prayer you used on the invitatory at the beginning is appropriate, or some expression
of thanksgiving.

End on the Cross with an offering of praise and thanksgiving.

Give yourself a few moments, before and after, to be in silence with God. Rest, listen. Don’t rush into or
away from your time of prayer. As you move on with your day, the prayer will go with you, and, in time,
you may find that it continues to pray itself in you.

Further resources and prayer ideas:

http://www.churchofoursaviornp.org/anglican-rosary/

https://bc.anglican.ca/page/anglican-rosary-prayers

http://www.franciscan.org.au/anglican-rosary/

http://www.kingofpeace.org/prayerbeads.htm

Suggestions for this session:

Take a deep breath between each bead. In addition to giving you time to focus on each thought, this will
physically slow your body’s rhythms and allow you to relax.

If you do not have a rosary, you may count on your fingers; gently squeeze the tip of your finger with
your other hand or press the tip of a finger to a knuckle. You may also follow along without a physical
indicator if you so choose.

If you have a Catholic rosary with 59 beads, you may choose to skip beads during the guided meditation
and adapt the suggested prayers below to suit the five decade pattern or use prayers of your choosing
for personal use after the guided portion.

If you have a mini “pocket” rosary, start on the cross, move to the first large bead for the invitatory,
move to the second large bead for the first cruciform, then make a loop with the week beads and
continue with the cruciform bead until you have done the full four repeats.
 Suggestions for prayers for calm
The Cross 
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all
desires, known, and from you no secrets are
hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the
inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may
perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your
holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
OR
Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and
shall be forever. Amen.
OR
In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Invitatory:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth
as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin
against us. Save us from the time of trial, and
deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the
power, and the glory are yours, now and for
ever. Amen.
OR
Be pleased, O God, to deliver us; O God, make
haste to help us.
OR
Open wide for me your presence as a shelter,
safe; a tower of strength above my many foes.
Then shall I flee at once to live again in you,
your house, my home, your outstretched wings
my hiding place.
Cruciforms:
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping;
that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may
rest in peace.
OR
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good
shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I
know my own and my own know me.”
OR
God grant me the serenity 
To accept the things I cannot change; 
Courage to change the things I can; 
And wisdom to know the difference. 
Weeks:
Prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila (One line per
bead)
1) Let nothing disturb you,
2) Let nothing frighten you,
3) All things are passing away:
4) God never changes.
5) Patience obtains all things
6) Whoever has God lacks nothing;
7) God alone suffices.
Prayer of Julian of Norwhich
All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all
manner of thing shall be well.
John 14:27 (One line per week)
1) Peace I leave with you;
2) my peace I give you.
3) I do not give to you as the world gives.
4) Do not let your hearts be troubled and
do not be afraid.