Magdalene Prayers

The inspiration for this app comes from an adult education program we had at Holy Cross on prayer. My dear friend and colleague at Holy Cross, The Rev. Martha Kuhlmann, brought her Mary Magdalene Anglican prayer beads to share with our group. I was so taken by the thought of a prayer bead meditation tool around one of my patron saints, Mary Magdalene, I immediately set out to create this app, as I was not inclined to haul around prayer beads with me wherever I go, and my phone is always with me! A perfect match!

The genesis of Anglican Prayer Beads is a gift to the world from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas in the later 20th century. Unlike its Roman Catholic cousin, the Anglican version has 33 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads called weeks.

The image I chose for each day of the weeks is a red egg. This egg image is to pay homage to the wonderful story of Mary of Magdala sharing the gospel with Caesar. The Roman Ruler declared that Jesus could no more rise from the dead than the egg Mary held could turn to red. And before their eyes, it turned bright red.

The prayers I chose for this app are the prayers that are regularly on my heart. The app is designed to provide space to tap and pray! I specifically decided not to add any background music, so there is no concern of disturbing other passengers on a daily commute.

I hope you can find space in your day to say your prayers.