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 (4th 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
