An Abacus
The counting device you're referring to is called an abacus. It typically consists of a rectangular frame with rods or wires, each holding a number of beads that can slide back and forth. The abacus is used for performing arithmetic calculations by moving the beads to represent different values. It has been used for centuries in various cultures for counting and calculation purposes.
prayer beads are used for counting when your praying
Abacus, also known as a counting frame, is used (mainly) in Asia. Beads on wires, wooden dowels, etc, are representative of numbers.
The Chinese abacus.
it is a counting frame with beads. go here to see it http://www.kidestore.co.uk/images/images_big/melissa_and_doug_abacus.jpg
A counting frame is the common name for an abacus. An abacus is a centuries old counting and calculating tool that is still widely used by merchants in Asia and Africa.
an abacus
Rosary beads are meant for counting purpose in the devotions
To tell the beads is to pray with a rosary ( a string of beads used in praying).Dictionary.com definition:bead  [beed]count / say / tell one's beads, to say one's prayers, using rosary beads: There were a few old women counting their beads in the hushed silence of the chapel.
A counting frame is commonly referred to as an abacus. It is a calculation tool used for performing arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Abacus- a frame that holds rods with beads attached and was used for arithmetic
The abacus is the original mechanical counting device. It was likely first used over five thousand years ago, and used beads to keep track of numbers.