Prayer beads are a string of beads used in various religious practices to aid in meditation and prayer. They help individuals keep track of the number of prayers or mantras recited, allowing for a focused and mindful experience. Different cultures have their own versions, such as rosary beads in Christianity and mala beads in Hinduism and Buddhism. Typically, prayer beads consist of a main bead, known as the guru bead, and a series of smaller beads. The number of beads can vary, with common counts being 33, 54, or 108. Using prayer beads can enhance spiritual practice by providing a tactile element to meditation.