Happy Epiphany! I hope your Christmas season was filled with the joy and wonder of the birth of the Christ child!
This week’s devotion is one I wrote a few years ago. It is also included in the appendix of my book, A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner’s Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads. I offer it here again because I think the season of Epiphany is a mystery to so many of us. Sure, we know it is about the journey of the Wise Men, but so what?!? What does that mean for our relationship with God? This devotion is designed to help us think about its meaning, particularly, how the wise men offer an example of worship of the newborn King.
Cross: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Invitatory Bead: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10 – 11, NIV)
Resurrection Bead (optional): Christ is born!
1st Cruciform Bead: Lord, you called the Magi to you, sending them a star to guide them to Bethlehem. Help us to recognize the ways in which you call us to a relationship with you.
1st set of Week Beads: use each bead to listen for, recognize, and consider the many ways in which God calls you to a relationship with Him.
2nd Cruciform Bead: Lord, the Magi obediently and gladly followed your star to Bethlehem, fulfilling your plan for them.
2nd set of Week Beads: use each bead to consider the ways in which you can joyfully and obediently follow God’s will for you.
3rd Cruciform Bead: Lord, upon seeing your son, Jesus, the Magi fell down fell to their knees to worship him.
3rd set of Week Beads: use each bead to offer your praise and worship to God.
4th Cruciform Bead: Lord, having worshipped you, the Magi freely and joyfully offered their gifts to your son, in response to your own gift of love to the world.
4th set of Week Beads: use each bead to consider the gifts that you have to give as an offering to God, in thanks for His gift of love for you.
Resurrection Bead: Christ is born! Alleluia!
Invitatory Bead: recite The Lord’s Prayer
Cross: In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen
Kristen,
I first came across prayer beads while reading Henri Nouwen. Then I found them again in an advent study by Pamela Hawkins. When I recently discovered your book, it was like God was telling me to pay attention. It only took three times. I am perceptive, that way. Even though I am not a crafty person, I was intrigued by the idea of making my own beads. So I set out, determined, and made my own set. Then I made several sets as Christmas gifts. These beads have truly been a blessing.
Also, I have a question about the making of the beads. It seems that over time and with use, my beads are looser than at first. I tried to squeeze the crimp tube very tightly closed, but maybe I have not squeezed enough. I am wondering if this is why my beads are loosening?
Thanks and blessings,
Jeri Lynn