Buddhist Prayer Beads, Malas How are Malas used in the spiritual Buddhist practice? 

Are there instructions and introductions for use? 

I am equally interested in responses from the Buddhist practice of monks and lay people (less New Age theories). I am particularly interested the application of Malas uses of all Buddhist lineages in everyday life.
String of beads can be used in Anussati meditation in sitting or when you are out of meditation to occupy the mind with wholesome thoughts.