The Sunflower Rosary is a contemplative prayer form. It is a modern prayer forumula developed by the Dasa, combining the Roman Catholic Rosary with the Orthodox Jesus Prayer Rope. It is comprised of 33 beads (the traditional number of years of Jesus’ life). There is one “INVITATORY” bead followed by four sets of seven beads each (called “stamen”), with a single bead (called the “pistil”) in between each set of stamen. In the Judeo-Christian tradition the number seven is that of spiritual perfection and completion. The circle of beads is prayed, unhurriedly, three times to signify the Holy Trinity. This makes for ninety-nine prayers, and in Middle Eastern traditions, 99 is the complete number of the Divine Names. Rather than a crucifix or a cross, a Sunflower charm or tassel hangs from the beads. If you include the FLOWER at the beginning or the end, this brings the total number of prayers said to 100, which is the total of the Orthodox Rosary and represents the fullness of creation. Typically the saying of the Rosary is followed by a period of silence for reflection.

There are no set prayers for the Sunflower Rosary. It is your choice! You may also use the Dasa’s Prayers from the Salos or develop your own prayers for the stamen section of the rosary.

Listed below is the method of using the beads and some of the more commonly used prayers. Remember, it is the practice that is important, the time spent in communion with God; the rosary is simply the vehicle for getting there. It is a tool for meditation, contemplation and spiritual focus.