“David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag.” —1 Samuel 17:40

When David went into battle, he carried five “smooth stones” in his shepherd’s bag. When facing the giant in battle, “David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone” (1 Sm 17:49). The giant seemingly had greater weapons, more experience in battle, and was a formidable enemy, ready to kill David with his might. Yet David used the stone and his war-trained fingers and hands to defeat the powerful foe (1 Sm 17:49ff).

My rosary pouch contains a rosary which has 59 “smooth stones” or beads. Many of us carry similar rosary pouches. When I enter into spiritual battle each morning, I place my hand into my rosary pouch just as David put his hand into his shepherd’s bag (1 Sm 17:49). Then I pull out the 59 “smooth stones” and slide the “stones” between my fingers as I pray the rosary. “Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, Who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war” (Ps 144:1).