Ettiquette about prayer boxes?

Question

Recently I was diagnosed with a fairly serious illness. My mom bought a lovely silver prayer box necklace, told me with a smile what it was, and then slipped it over her own neck! I was just kind of shocked. I thought maybe she bought it for me -- since I was the one that was sick. Can anyone tell me what the proper ettiquette is about prayer boxes?

Answer 1

There's no set etiquette, but here's what I think she did: She bought the prayer box to show you that she is praying for you. By putting her prayer in the box and carrying it with her, she is carrying that prayer everywhere she goes. It's a very sweet and loving thing that she's doing.

I admit that sounds strange the way you describe it, but I'm sure she was trying to let you know she's praying for you.

I'll pray for you too. God bless. Remember, in God's eyes you are a perfect child of the universe! Just remember who you truly are (perfect), and that will take care of what you are not.

Answer 2

As far as I know there really is no etiquette on prayer boxes. I think what your Mom was doing was showing you that she had placed her prayers for you in that box and then was holding the prayers close to her heart. She meant no harm. I hope you've recovered from your illness and that your mother's prayers have come true. Blessings.

Answer 3

I'm not sure what a prayer box is either...



-A Follower of Yahuah

Answer 4

umm its kinda like in case you extremely prefer a bicycle and you pray for one...thats not in all probability the kinda element to ask for from God. You dont prefer a "prayer container" carry your requests, and prayers directly to him.

Answer 5

There has been debate over whether the prayer box originated in the Buddhist or Hindu faith, but these prized religious objects are treasured today by many faiths, and even by nonreligious individuals. Originally worn as a religious ritual object, prayer boxes are now used primarily as jewelry and worn for sentimental, not religious, purposes.

Prayer boxes come in many styles, shapes, sizes and materials, but they all share one thing in common - they are containers for a cherished item of religious or personal significance.
The opening to the compartment is most often secured with a latch, of which there are many types. Others open and close with a few turns, much like the lid on a glass jar. The prayer box above and to the left has a screw-off lid, whereas the one to the right employs a traditional latch.

Prayer boxes are used by the followers of many faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. All faiths use prayer boxes to focus the mind on one’s prayerful thoughts or secret wishes, typically by writing down a prayer or wish on a small piece of paper and placing it into the box. Doing so is believed by the faithful to make these prayers and wishes come true. Just be careful, for as Oscar WIlde noted, "When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers."
It is also possible to place a small religious object inside the prayer box. A follower of the Hindu faith, for instance, might place a sacred Rudraksha seed, also known as "Shiva's tear," inside the prayer box.

Prayer boxes can incorporate images of deities or religious teachers, such as Ganesha, Lord Buddha or Quan Yin. Much more common, however, are prayer boxes that integrate religious symbols into their designs, such as the star of David, the Christian cross, the Christian fish symbol (Ichthus), praying hands, the Om symbol, or the Tibetan prayer wheel.


Prayer boxes also have sentimental uses. For example, a spouse's lock of hair, a small photo of mom, the first lost tooth of your child, and other cherished items can be placed in the box and worn throughout the day as a remembrance of a loved one, here or long departed. An inspirational thought might also be written down and placed in one’s prayer box, from which strength can be drawn throughout the day. A heart-shaped prayer box, such as the one displayed to the right, is a popular choice when the piece is used for sentimental expressions.


In recent years, message prayer boxes have made their way onto the market. These boxes are usually engraved with a word, such as Peace, Hope, Love or Faith. These words can also be written onto the box using silver wiring or granulations (small silver dots), that are soldered into place to form each letter of the word.
Many individuals use prayer boxes as jewelry, and for no other purpose. A beautiful prayer box does make a splendid focal point or centerpiece on a necklace and adds class to any bracelet. What is the difference between a prayer box pendant and a prayer box charm? Size. Smaller boxes are usually used as charms on a bracelet, whereas larger boxes are typically used as the centerpiece of a necklace.

Some prayer boxes have embedded gemstones, such as the one shown to the right, which is adorned with an amber stone. Does the gemstone incorporated into the design have any special significance? Usually not. In most cases a person will buy a prayer box with a particular gemstone out of personal preference or to satisfy a particular fashion need.
One exception, of course, is the selection of a prayer box with one's birthstone.
When put to secular uses, prayer boxes are often called "wish boxes." Wish boxes are too small to be of much use as “portable storage.” One exception is their use as a pill box for carrying medication on one’s person. Wish boxes are also reported to be in use as containers for aromatherapy botanicals and medicinal herbs.
I have heard of one person who used his wish box for carrying a small piece of paper on which was written his important computer passwords. Of course, there are also stories of people using wish boxes to hide illicit drugs, a practice that can only be considered an act of profane sacrilege.


Prayer boxes are commercially available in many materials, including sterling silver, plated silver, gold vermeil , pressed gold, brass, and pewter. By far, the most popular material is sterling silver, typically silver that has been antiqued to give an appearance of age.
The popularity of silver is not difficult to understand. Prayer boxes are sacred, and as such should be made of a precious material, not brass, pewter or any other base metal. However, gold is so much more expensive than silver, making silver the metal of choice for most consumers. :

Answer 6

I really have no idea what a pray box is, you don't need a box to pray.

Answer 7

Tell her you would like one for your self .Hers must give her comfort .I personally don't think they are necessary I think keeping God close in your hart at all times is more important .

Answer 8

Well since you are most likely going to hell anyway, I wouldn't worry about it.