Chaplets are private vocal prayers which often use prayer beads. They differ from novenas, which take 9 days to finish. Chaplets on the other hand are prayed in their entirety in one setting. They can be prayed in adoration, at home, in church before or after Mass. They really can be prayed any time or any place.

Chaplets are prayed for a variety of reasons. Some are petitions, some are prayers of adoration, some are for thanksgiving, and some are in reparation for sins.  Chaplets usually follow a pattern of prayer in repeated sequences. Prayer times vary depending on the chaplet you pray, but typically they take between 10 and 30 minutes to pray. The rosary is one of the most popular and well known types of chaplets and depending on the rosary, it could take up to an hour to recite.

Prayer beads come in many types and forms. They can be made out of many kinds of materials. When they are blessed by a priest they are called sacramentals.