The Wreath of Christ (Swedish: Frälsarkransen; Danish and Norwegian: Kristuskransen), also known as the Lutheran rosary, are a set of prayer beads developed in 1995 by Swedish Evangelical Lutheran bishop emeritus Martin Lönnebo.[1] The Wreath of Christ contains 18 beads, which are known as "pearls", with many including a crucifix. They are an often used devotion in the Lutheran Church after their popularization through the text Pearls of Life; the Wreath of Christ has been used in ecumenical Christian settings as well.[2]
Bishop Lönnebo of the Lutheran Church of Sweden was stranded on an island in Greece for several days because of a storm.[1] When he saw the Greek fishermen with their kombologia (which are in fact worry beads that have no religious or spiritual function), he was inspired to create the Wreath of Christ. He first developed, on paper, a set of Lutheran prayer beads where he gave all the pearls a specific meaning. After the return home to Sweden, he made the actual pearl ribbon, based on his sketches and started using it in his prayers.[3] The devotion began to spread rapidly in Sweden and to other Lutheran countries.
The order starts at the golden "God" bead and goes counter-clockwise. In this order, the pearls symbolise the course of life, and also represent a catechism.
The following prayers are said on the Wreath of Christ:[4]
1. Golden Bead of God
You are immense, You are near, You are the light and I am Yours.
Silence
At each oblong bead you may either rest in silence, or pray:
I give away my loneliness. I receive that I am Yours.2. Pearly I-Bead
You created me as Your own image. Let me see Your image in myself.3. White Bead of Baptism
You have invited me. In Your hands I commend my life.Silence
4. Sandy Desert Bead
Keep me holy and I will be holy kept. Heal me and I will be healed. Draw me near Yourself, and my heart will have peace. Jesus Christ, give me mercy.Silence
5. Blue Carefree Bead
I give away my load of worries. I receive Your peace.Silence
6. Red Bead of God’s Love
You are mine and I am Yours. Your love is everlasting.7. Red Bead of Sacrifice
Let me love my neighbour with Your love.8. Pearly Beads of Secrets
On these three beads you may tell God the personal, important, or secret things you don’t want anyone else to know.9. Black Bead of Darkness
Out of the depths have I cried unto You, oh Lord. Lord, hear my voice. Do not abandon me.Silence
10. White Resurrection Bead
Here is no time. Here is no distance. I have peace in my heart in front of You. Here I want to stay.Silence[4]
After these eighteen prayers, the Lord's Prayer is recited (either on the Golden Bead of God or on the crucifix).[4]
