Prayer Boxes occur in all faiths, all over the world, throughout history. They range from jewelry to spinning chant wheels and from talismans to portable shrines. The defining notion of a Prayer Box is that it opens to reveal or receive spiritual intentions, writings, images or objects. We are asked often, "How do you do it?" and that's up to you, the prayer box isn't anything without you. There's no correct way to use a prayer box. We’re also asked “What makes it a prayer box?” The answer is you do.

We are surrounded by the mystery that we all share. It’s such a strong tie, our common situation and at the same time so utterly isolating. People have used prayer boxes as a way of trying to connect. Connect to God or to the Universe or to whatever spiritual breath called to them, we are no different.

One person will see a prayer box as a vessel, another as a conduit, a third as a sweet sentimental idea. They are all correct. Some will write prayers on paper that when revisited show a plan dreamed up years ago. Others will pause for a moment, reminded of how best to look at the day. How a prayer box is used is as unique as the person it belongs to.

To your left and your right you will see pictures of the oldest known Christian prayer box dated at 300-800 CE. The box is made of bone and has a finely detailed delicately etched Cross on the outside surrounded by a similarly etched decorative border. Tibetan prayer wheels and others date back to a similar age.

Pen to paper or spiritual keepsake, prayer boxes reach out to us and make a unique and heartfelt gift.