Anglican Rosary with the Psalms

This original rosary is based on the Anglican pattern of beads, with a slight variation. The rosary begins with a crucifix but has three beads on the stem rather than two, reflecting both the Trinity and the three sung verses taken from Psalm 64. it then continues into the circlet which contains the standard four cruciforms, each divided by a single stone. Each of the seven beads is accompanied by a short selection from a Psalm, with the larger stones accompanying the repeated three sung verses of Be Still and Know that I am God. 

In assembling it, I had the idea to work with the Psalms, mostly because I have been unsatisfied with my understanding of them. I thought if I read through them and chose certain lines that seemed strong, I could assemble something to try out the Anglican set form. In the end, I had to adjust the stem slightly. I like the idea behind the piece, but am not so pleased with the rhythm of the Psalm selections.

But I wouldn't give up on this one altogether. I like the repeated singing. Perhaps if would be stronger if the four sets of seven were each taken from a single Psalm. 

The physical rosary itself is very simple. You can see here the points of the cross with the blue stone cruciforms. 

Be Still rosary

begin on the stem with the Invitatory (first large bead after crucifix)

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God. 

2nd large bead on stem

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee.

3rd large bead on stem (1st cruciform)

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust.

begin to move around the circlet. 

each verse of psalm read with each smaller bead in the first week.

i will give thanks to the lord with my whole heart;

i will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (9:1)

you show me the path of life, o god,

in your presence there is fullness of joy (16:11)

let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you i put my trust. (14:8)

blessed are you, o god, for you give me counsel; in the night my heart also instructs me. (16:7)

even though i walk through the darkest valley,

i fear no evil, for you are with me,

your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (23:4)

the earth is the lord’s and all that is in it,

the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas

and established it on the rivers. (24:1, 2)

lead me in your truth and teach me for you are the god of my salvation. (25:5)

2nd cruxiform

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God. 

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee.

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust.

The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall i be afraid?  (27:1)

each verse of psalm read with each smaller bead in the second week.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!  (27:14)

The earth is full of your goodness, O God. (33:5)

I will both lie down and sleep in peace:

For you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. (4:8)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me,

And delivered me from all my fears.  (34:4)

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (36:7)

I delight to do your will, O my God, your law is within my heart. (40:8)

3rd cruciform

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God. 

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee.

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust.

each verse of psalm read with each smaller bead in the third week.

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast,

I will sing and make melody, awake, my soul! (57:6)

Awake, my soul! (57:6)

you are the day, you are also the night you made the luminaries

of the sky, the sun, the moon and the stars. (74:16) 

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,

Who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,

Will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress:

My God, in whom I trust.” (91:1,2)

as a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God,

When shall I come and behold the face of God? (42:1,2)

You satisfy the thirsty, and fill the hungry with good things. (107:9)

Long ago you laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the work of your hands.

they will perish but you endure; they wear out like garments

but you are the same and your years have no end. (107:25,26)

the Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

the Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. (145:8,9)

4th cruciform

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God. 

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee.

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust.

each verse of psalm read with each smaller bead in the fourth week.

 With my whole heart I seek you, O God, I treasure your word in my heart. (119:10,11)

I lift up my eyes to the hill – from where will my help come?

My help comes from God, who made heaven and earth.

(121:1,2)

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

For his steadfast love endures forever. (136.1)

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever,

Do not forsake the world of your hands. (138:8)

It was you, O God, who made my inmost self, you knit me together in my mother's womb,

and I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (139:13,14)

I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (121:1,2)

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. (145:1)

back down the stem to the crucifix

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God,

Be still and know that I am God. 

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee,

I am the Lord that healeth thee.

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

In thee O Lord, I put my trust.