Prayer beads are used by many religions throughout the world, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, etc. to mark the repetitions of prayers, chants or devotions. The English word “bead” comes from an Old English word “bede” which means prayer. While their origin remains uncertain, prayer beads seemed be used in some fashion by pagan civilizations over 36 centuries ago. Their earliest verified, recorded historical use dates back to Hinduism, hundreds of years before Christ.

Jesus taught His disciples not to pray like the heathen who use vain repetitions. Prayer is an opening of the heart to God, not rote memorization and repetition. The use of prayer beads is not in conformity to the teachings of Christ.