Writer’s block is the bane of every writer. As a writer I can tell you that I would try anything to inspire my creativity – meditation, painting, reading and even praying. I’ve found that at times all it takes is just one spark to open my mind to all the creative possibilities that lay before me. However, igniting that spark can be challenging. Thankfully I have found a wonderful tool for combating writer’s block that I would love to share with everyone who enjoys the art of writing. When I discovered Career Combo Chaplets by Lynn Miesch on Etsy my first thought was “This is a wonderful idea for writers!” I contacted Lynn Miesch and she created this lovely Writer’s Combo Chaplet for me. I was amazed to discover that this is a powerful tool for combating writer’s block.
What is the Writer’s Combo Chaplet?
The Writer's Combo Chaplet is five different prayer chaplets in one – a creation exclusive to Lynn Miesch. This chaplet features the medals of five saints who personalize qualities that writers will find helpful. The combination of saints that makes up this chaplet provides a spiritual back-up-team for writers. It includes the following saints: St Frances de Sales (Patron of Writers), St Jude the Apostle (Patron of the Impossible), St Raphael (Patron of healing and healers, St Joseph (Helper of those who experience doubt and hesitation), and Our Lady of Fatima (The miracle worker, known for her many miracles). On the reverse side of the Our Lady of Fatima medal is the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ (Christ is the inspiration behind the New Testament of the Bible – the world’s #1 bestselling book in history). With Christ, Mary and Joseph on the same chaplet, one could also include a 6th chaplet to the Writer’s Combo Chaplet - the chaplet to the Holy Family (Let’s face it… When you have writer’s block you need all the help you can get!)
How the Writer’s Combo Chaplet helps:
When you have writer’s block your mind will turn from writing to something non-writing related – such as facebook, video games, or playing with a family pet. These actives allow your mind to rest from the task of writing. This can be a good thing, however, it can also be a bad thing as your mind is totally taken away from your writing. The Writer’s Combo Chaplet allows you to focus on writing subconsciously during prayer. This allows your conscious mind to get the break it needs, while your subconscious mind is working. As you can imagine this can be a powerful tool both spiritually and mentally for overcoming the challenges of writer’s block.
About the Quality and Craftsmanship of this Chaplet:
Ocean Jasper (a.k.a Orbicular Jasper) Beads
The beads are of superb quality genuine Ocean Jasper that features breath-taking patterns within each bead. Personally I find these natural patterns to be very inspiring as each bead has its own unique beauty. The Artisan has this to say in regard to her use of Ocean Jasper for this chaplet.
“I love using Ocean Jasper in my chaplets. Ocean Jasper comes from the shores of Madagascar and are recovered as the tide goes out. I enjoy using natural stones as they are God made, but from the very ocean...some of the 12 Apostles were fishermen, so I like incorporating sea themed materials in my chaplets.” ~ Artist Lynn Miesch
Artist Charms and Accents
This chaplet also features the following unique charms: A fish, a clam shell, a spiral sun, 4mm fire agate accent beads and a genuine quartz crystal. Each has its own symbolism which adds to the beauty of this chaplet. I feel that the artist best describes her use of symbolism.
“Besides the Ocean Jasper are a fish charm and a clam charm, again invoking the Apostles. I also added a sun charm (Brilliant ideas, inspiration), and a crystal, again, connecting to the earth and things God Made. The small 4mm stones on either side of the charms are fire agate (fire agate for me reminds me of Pentecost and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, St Jude is often depicted with a flame over his head in art work)." ~ Artist Lynn Miesch
20 gauge nickel silver wrapping wire
This gauge is very strong and durable ensuring that the chaplet will last a life time. As someone who works with wire as a hobby I can tell you that this wire is very durable. Due to the strength of the wire I find working with 20 gauge wire to be very difficult. This simply shows the strength of this gauge.
Italian-made nickel silver medal & crucifix
The medals and crucifix are Italian-made. They feature the beautiful details and durability which is expected for Italian-made religious products.
About Saints:
St. Francis de Sales:
St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of authors, educators, journalists, teachers, and writers
“Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you.” ~ Saint Francis De Sales
“The virtue of patience is the one which most assures us of perfection.” ~ Saint Francis De Sales
“There is nothing which edifies others so much as charity and kindness, by which, as by the oil in our lamp, the flame of good example is kept alive.” ~ Saint Francis de Sales
St. Jude:
St. Jude is the patron saint of desperate situations, forgotten causes, impossible causes, and lost causes
St. Raphael:
St. Raphael the Archangel is the patron saint of doctors, guardian angels, happy meetings, love, mentally ill people, nurses, physicians, sick people, travelers and young people.
“Raphael means…God’s remedy, for when he touched Tobit’s eyes in order to cure him, he banished the darkness of his blindness. Thus, since he is to heal, he is rightly called God’s remedy.” ~ Pope Saint Gregory the Great
St. Joseph:
St. Joseph Patronage: against doubt, against hesitation, carpenters, craftsmen, expectant mothers, families, fathers, happy death, laborers, people in doubt, social justice, and working people.
“He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of his greatest treasures, namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph’s wife. He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying ‘Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.” - from a sermon by Saint Bernardine of Siena
Our Lady of Fatima:
Christ’s Mother appeared to three children, Francisco & Jacinta Marto and their cousin, Lucia Santos, in Fatima, Portugal on the 13th of every month from May through Oct. in the year 1917. Her messages all have one main directive - PRAY! She calls us to pray with love and kindness in our hearts.
“Our Lady of Fatima I chose for peace in the world. Writers can reach people, and I would hope in a way that encourages healing, peace, joy, and comfort during sorrowful times. Although the Fatima Chaplet was originally written to invoke Our Lady to consecrate and convert Russia (per Her request when She appeared at Fatima), I often substitute the words "Planet Earth" for Russia. I would like to discuss the word "conversion." Some people, including some Catholics, take that phrase literally, ie, to convert to Catholicism. I was taught that was not the intent. Conversion means turning away from sin, turning to God, loving thy neighbor, etc, etc.” ~ Lynn Miesch
Metaphysical Meaning of Ocean Jasper (a.k.a Orbicular Jasper):
According to the Crystal Bible by Judy Hall “Jasper aids quick thinking, and promotes organizational abilities and seeing projects through. It stimulates the imagination and transforms ideas into action.” In regard to Ocean Jasper the Crystal Bible states “Orbicular Jasper supports service, assists in accepting responsibility and instilling patience.” For this reason Ocean Jasper is the perfect choose for writers as many see writing as not only a craft, but as a service to others. The craft of writing requires both responsibility and patience which echoes the meaning of this beautiful gemstone.
Artist Bio:
Lynn Miesch is a woman of many talents and interests. She states
“I'm just a little bit of everything. I have work as a stability chemist, have participated in animal rescue, write the occasional letter to congress for petitions, support cancer research and I enjoy beading and wire wraping. I would love to learn how to make stained glass windows and how to caste my own medals”. She proudly stands by the durability of her Chaplets “All my chaplets are covered by a lifetime warranty. If they ever break, I will repair or replace free of charge, even if it happens years later. While wire wrapped, I decline to call anything unbreakable...sounds more like unsinkable.” ~ Lynn Miesch
“Prayer Beads and Needs” (at
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrayerBeadsandNeeds) is the first and only shop to provide such amazing products. No other shop that I have found sells multiple-prayer-chaplets in one! Combine this with the beauty and love that goes into the creation and craftsmanship of each chaplet and you have a true blessing in a small package.
My Personal Opinion:
Personally I have found that this prayer chaplet is the most powerful tool in my writer’s toolbox. For me this Writer’s Chaplet combines three important aspects that work to inspire my creativity – meditation (quite time), prayer (time with the Great Author), and the simple act of moving the beads through my fingers (which also inspires my creativity). I believe any writer will find this chaplet helpful for gaining insight, inspiring creativity and combating writer’s block. As a writer I highly recommend this chaplet to anyone who loves the craft of writing. The most amazing thing about this chaplet is that it is many chaplets in one. I simply love this idea as it truly reminds me that I have my own spiritual back-up-team.
How to Pray the Writer’s Chaplet:
My favorite thing about Lynn Miesch’s combo-chaplets is how they are prayed. The idea of many prayer chaplets in one makes praying multiple chaplets simple. Below are her instructions on how to pray the many chaplets that together make up the prayers of her Writer’s Chaplet. This information was shared with me by the artist.
How to pray the Chaplet of Saint Raphael the Archangel:
The chaplet of St. Raphael the Archangel is prayed on a total of 12 beads (the larger set of 9 beads and the 3 additional beads that are above the St. Raphael medal).
Begin on the medal, pray the following words:
"You are Raphael the Healer,
You are Raphael the Guide,
You are Raphael the Companion
Ever at human sorrow's side."
On each of the 3 small beads, say the “Hail Mary” to Mary, the Queen of angels.
“Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.”
Each large bead represents one of the 9 orders of the angelic choir: Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominations, Virtues, Principalities, Powers, Cherubim and Seraphim. On each of the 9 large beads, pray the following in honor of the corresponding angelic choir:
“Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of Hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your Glory!
Glory be to the Father:
Glory be to the Son;
Glory be to the Holy Spirit!”
Conclude the Chaplet with the following prayer on the Cross:
"Saint Raphael, angel of health, of love,
of joy and light, pray for us."
How to pray the Chaplet of Saint Jude:
This Chaplet has begins on the Cross, moves through the 9 beads and concludes on Medal of Saint Jude.
On the cross, say the following prayer:
“Saint Jude, glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many but the true Church invokes you universally
as the Patron of things despaired of; pray for me,
that finally I may receive the consolations and the succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly... (State your intention here.)
and that I may bless God with the Elect throughout Eternity. Amen.”
On each of the 9 beads recite the “Hail Mary” and the following invocation.
“Saint Jude, Apostle, martyr, and relative of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of Mary and of Joseph, intercede for us.”
At the end of the Chaplet, say the following prayers:
“May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
be adored, and loved
in all the tabernacles until the end of time. Amen.”
“May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus
be praised and glorified now and forever. Amen”
“Saint Jude pray for us and hear our prayers. Amen.”
“Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Blessed be the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Blessed be Saint Jude Thaddaeus,
in all the world and for all Eternity.”
How to pray the Chaplet of St Francis de Sales:
Start on the Cross reciting the Nicene Creed
“I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial
with the Father;
Through Him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
He came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary and became man.
For our sake He was crucified
under Pontius Pilate,
He suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and His kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, Catholic (Universal Church) ,
and Apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection
of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen.”
On the first set of three beads, recite the “Our Father”
“Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
On the second set of three beads, recite the “Hail Mary”
“Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.”
On the third set of three beads, recite the “Glory Be”
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
Conclude with either the Prayer to St Francis de Sales for Writers or the Novena to St Francis de Sales
Prayer to St Francis de Sales for Writers:
“Most loving and lovable Saint, you preached to thousands with the pen, introducing them to "the devout life." You wrote sublimely about God's love and made countless converts by your Christ-like kindness. Make writers realize the power of the Press and inspire them with your zeal for spreading truth. Help them to write honestly no matter what the subject, so that they will really contribute to bringing about God's Kingdom. Amen.”
The Novena to St Francis
“O Blessed Francis de Sales, who in your mortal life did excel in all virtues, especially in love of God and of neighbor, I earnestly entreat you to take me under your immediate protection, to obtain from God my perfect conversion, and that of all sinners, especially of (the names of persons for whom you wish to pray should be mentioned here).”
Continued on the Reverse
“Teach me, O Father, to fix my eyes on heaven, that I may generously trample under foot every obstacle that presents itself in my way, and attain that degree of glory which you in your mercy hold out to me.
Obtain also that particular favor for which I now pray. (Mention intention here)
Assist us, O Lord, we beseech you, through the merits of St. Francis de Sales. That what our endeavors cannot obtain may be given us by his intercession. Let us pray: O God, who for the salvation of souls, did will that St. Francis de Sales, your confessor and bishop, should become all things to all men and women, mercifully grant that we, infused with the gentleness of his charity, guided by his teachings, and sharing in his merits, may obtain eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
How to Pray Niner Chaplet of St Joseph:
Begin on the Cross by reciting the Nicene Creed:
“I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial
with the Father;
Through Him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
He came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary and became man.
For our sake He was crucified
under Pontius Pilate,
He suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and His kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, Catholic (Universal Church) ,
and Apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection
of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen.”
On each of the 9 beads recite the Hail Joseph:
“Hail Joseph, Son of David, thou whose holiness surpasses that of all angels and saints, blessed art thou among men, thou who wert chosen to be the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary of whom was born Jesus. Glorious St Joseph, now reigning body and soul in Heaven, protector of the Universal Church, pray for us poor sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen”
Conclude with the Consecration to St Joseph
“O dearest Saint Joseph,
I consecrate myself to your honor
and give myself to you,
that you may always be my father,
my protector and my guide
in the way of salvation.
Obtain for me a greater purity of heart
and fervent love of the interior life.
After your example may I do all my actions
for the greater glory of God,
in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
O Blessed Saint Joseph, pray for me,
that I may share in the peace
and joy of your holy death. Amen.”
How to Pray the Niner Chaplet of St Joseph the Worker
On the Cross pray the Nicene Creed:
“I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial
with the Father;
Through Him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
He came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary and became man.
For our sake He was crucified
under Pontius Pilate,
He suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and His kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, Catholic (Universal Church) ,
and Apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection
of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen.”
On the first three beads, pray the “Our Father” on each bead.
“Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
On the second set of three beads, pray the “Hail Mary” on each bead
“Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.”
On the third set of three beads, pray the Glory Be on each bead
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
Closing pray the “Prayer to St Joseph Model for Workers”
“Silent and well known carpenter in Nazareth, model of workers, by the work of your hands, you gave your contribution to the work of the Creator, you earned your living, and you provided for the needs of the Holy Family. Intercede for all workers, in the difficulties of their daily lives, especially for the unemployed, in their anxieties for tomorrow, so that, through the guidance of God, the great Architect and Builder, they all may use their strength and their talents to make visible His Kingdom, His Creation, to offer a concrete service to society, and to earn wages worthy of their efforts. Amen”
How to Pray the Chaplet of the Holy Family:
Pray on the Cross, pray the Divine Praises
“Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints.”
On the first three beads, pray the Our Father on each bead
“Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
On the second set of three beads, pray the Hail Mary on each bead
“Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.”
On the third set of three beads, pray the Glory Be on each bead
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
Closing Prayer.
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I love You. Save Souls.”
How to Pray the Chaplet of Our Lady of Fatima:
Our Lady of Fatima was chosen for use in the Writer’s Chaplet for peace in the world.
On the Cross pray the following prayer.
“Most Holy Virgin who has appeared to the children of Fatima to reveal the glories of the rosary, inspire our hearts to obtain peace for the world and the end of war, the conversion and consecration of Russia*, and the conversion of sinners. Assist us, Our Lady of the Rosary, at the hour of need in securing the graces needed for the salvation of all those who go to confession, receive the Holy Communion, and recite the rosary and meditate on its mysteries. Amen.”
On each of the first set of 3 beads, recite the “Our Father”.
“Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
On each of the second set of 3 beads, recite the “Hail Mary”.
“Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.”
On each of the third set of 3 beads, recite the “Glory Be”.
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
Concluding Prayer:
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.”
* Since Russia is no longer communist, I often find myself substituting the word “Russia” for “Planet Earth” when I pray this chaplet myself for world peace.
Check out more amazing hand-crafted ComboChaplets at
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrayerBeadsandNeeds
Blessings
~Dina
