Stranded by stormy weather on a small Greek Island, Lutheran Bishop meritus Martin Lönnebo created the Pearls of Life concept to guide his own prayer. He shared the idea with others and was amazed at their response and their stories of ever deepening prayer. Over 50,000 copies of the book have been sold in Sweden and Germany. The beautiful prayer bead bracelet (inserted in the book cover) is made of quality glass and ceramic beads, strung on a soft elastic cord and imported from a fair-trade manufacturer in India. The book has full-color photos throughout and describes the meaning of each of the following The God Pearl, the Pearls of Silence, The I Pearl, The Baptism Pearl, The Desert Pearl, The Serenity Pearl, The Love Pearls, The Mystery Pearls, The Night Pearl, and the Resurrection Pearl. Suitable for use by youth and adults, congregations may adapt it for use in confirmation classes, study groups, and retreats.
Kristus-kransen er, litt forenklet, det lutherske alternativet til den ortodokse bønnekransen (brukt til jesusbønnen) og den katolske rosenkransen. Boken er forfattet av mannen bak Martin Lönnebo, tidligere svensk biskop (d. 2023), og han har muligvis rett i at det er den første nye bønnekrans i Vesten siden rosenkransen kom på mote.
I forhold til rosenkransen som jeg er vant til å bruke gir kristuskransen meg imidlertid hodepine. Rosenkransen består av to typer perler og tre bønner (Pater Noster, Ave Maria og Gloria), mens kristuskransen har 12 ulike perler..