Prayer ropes

Prayer ropes (Grk: komboskini) are a loop of knots made of black-dyed wool (symbolising repentance). They are used to keep track of the number of prayers said by moving along each knot. It also keeps the person in a state of prayer and maintains concentration.

They are chiefly used for reciting the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner) in order to pray without ceasing (St Paul in I Thessalonians 5:17) and achieve what is known as “prayer of the heart”. The prayer Kύριε έλέησον (Lord have Mercy) is also common. There is also the repetitive prayer of "Most Holy Theotokos pray for us".

Design

They vary greatly in length, traditionally 100 knots. The number of knots is symbolic – 50 represents Pentecost, 12 represents the number of Apostles, 33 represents the age of Christ when crucified etc. Some are long ropes and some are bracelets which can be worn on the wrist.

They usually have a brightly coloured bead or Cross – this acts as an interval so the person knows how many prayers they have said.

Some have a tassel weaved into it (see first picture) which is to wipe the tears of joy for someone in deep prayer.

They should not be worn as a piece of jewellery/fashion accessory or “good-luck charm”. They can be worn on the wrist or kept in one’s pocket. The purpose is to always have it handy.

How to use a prayer rope

Option 1

At any time of the day, without being seen by anyone, hold the prayer rope in the left or right hand and move from knot to knot using the thumb whispering simultaneously or meditating upon the Jesus Prayer, “Lord have Mercy” or "Most Holy Theotokos pray for us".

Option 2

During one’s regular prayers (ie. praying according to the prayer rule one’s spiritual father has instructed to follow) hold the prayer rope in the left hand between the thumb and the index finger and move from knot to knot. At each knot simultaneously do two things:

i)                   with the right hand make the sign of the Cross; and

ii)                say the Jesus Prayer.

Once finished with all the knots of the prayer rope, continue to follow the same procedure, for as many times as one’s spiritual father has advised.

Origins of the prayer rope

Previously, monks would count their prayers by throwing pebbles into a bowl, but this was not practical. St Pachomius (4^th century) devised the prayer rope as an aid for illiterate monks to accomplish a consistent number of prayers and prostrations.

The method of tying the prayer rope is attributed to the Father of Orthodox Monasticism, St Anthony the Great. He started by tying a leather rope with a simple knot for every time he prayed “Lord have Mercy”, but the Devil would come and untie the knots to throw off his count. He was then showed a way of tying the prayer rope by an angel so that the knots themselves would constantly make the sign of the Cross.

This is why prayer ropes today are still tied using knots which each contain seven little crosses being tied over and over. The Devil could not untie it because the Devil is vanquished by the Sign of the Cross.

"When mind and heart are united in prayer and the soul is wholly concentrated in a single desire for God, then the heart grows warm and the light of Christ begins to shine and fills the inward man with peace and joy.” – St. Seraphim of Sarov