I'm wondering what you guys think about using bracelets or rosary type items in prayer. The following is an explanation of why they are useful:
This isn't so much a RCC question. I'm talking about a Baptist or Protestant just using something to help them concentrate. Is it wrong?
Prayer bracelets?
Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by nate, Feb 1, 2006.
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Here is someone elses idea:
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Sounds new age to me.
Why should one need to rely on beads to reach God?
1 Timothy 2:5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the prayer bracelet?
NOT!!!
1 Timothy 2:5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
If one touches each bead in prayer, his mind is not on that which he should be praying for, rather it is on the beads... did I touch that one already? What can this one represent? -
That's a good point. But if used merely for concentration... I would welcome any Scripture you could provide that says it is wrong to use them to help one pray.
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John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Again, it does not say, John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, Beads are the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by them.
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I would agree with 'Standing'here. Although probably not 'wrong' why would one need to use a bracelet and beads to help you pray?
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Just a quick question...
How does a set of beads help one to concentrate any more than without?
My opinion... beads would take away from concentration. They would be distracting. Focus would be more on beads than on God. -
Here is the story of a young woman who I found interesting:
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Prayer Beads???
C'mon, that is just as bad as those that are looking for God in every material object possible.
God is not in those inanimate beads. To teach anyone that beads help one get closer to God is a false doctrine. -
I agree in a sense. God is certainly not in any inanimate objects. But what about the young woman that has the attention disorder. Prayer is sometimes a very difficult task. Satan knows the power of prayer and he fights us the strongest when we are in prayer. Anyways I'm tired long day today and probably another tomorrow. God bless....
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If she cannot keep her attention on prayer without beads, she certainly is not going to keep her attention on God with beads.
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That seems a little harsh. Some people use things to help keep them focused.
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Well, Nate, let's look at it from another prospective.
Did anyone in the Bible ever use prayer beads for anything? I can't think of any.
Then there's always the question, "what would Jesus do?"
Peace,
Tam -
Using aids to focus are fine as long as they do not become the focus. Closing ones eyes in prayer was developed as a means of aiding focus in prayer so that things going on around you did not distract you.
Some people only see the negative never the positive. -
I use a prayer list. Does that mean I rely on the list instead of God?
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The best example of the way we should pray is found in Matthew 6:5-13--many call this the "Lord's Prayer". That is somewhat of a misnomer. Actually, the real "Lord's Prayer" is found in John 17--Matthew 6 is a "model prayer" which Jesus taught His disciples. I like to call it the "Disciples Prayer".
So-called "prayer bracelets" are pretty much a New Age thing, very similar to the way people used "crystals" in the 70s. -
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FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Of course there's nothing wrong with them. But it's too close to Catholicism so it must be wrong.
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