Waxed Prayer Rope with Beads – Mount Athos

Description

Athonite Prayer Rope for the Hand

The Athonite prayer rope for the hand is thin, discreet, and waxed for greater durability.

Prayer ropes are woven according to a tradition that dates back to the depths of history. One of the earliest forms of a prayer aid involved gathering small stones or seeds and moving them from one point or container to another during the “rule” of prayer or during the performance of small or large prostrations. There is also the story of a monk who decided to tie simple knots in a rope and use it during his daily prayer rule. However, the devil would undo the knots, thwarting the monk’s efforts. Then, an angel appeared and taught the monk a special knot, as the prayer ropes are now designed, consisting of multiple crosses. The devil could not undo these knots due to the presence of the crosses.

With the help of the prayer rope, short prayers can be said, such as the prayer of the tax collector: “O God, have mercy on me, the sinner,” or the prayer to the Theotokos: “Most Holy Theotokos, save us,” or other short prayers to the Guardian Angel, individual saints, or to all the saints. The usual form of such a prayer is: “Holy Angel” or “Holy (name), intercede for me.” By adapting the words of these short prayers into “have mercy on us” or “intercede for us,” or by including the name or names of people for whom we wish to pray, we can also use the prayer rope for prayers on behalf of others. The same applies for prayers for the departed: “Grant rest, O Lord, to the soul of Your servant.”

Note: The colors of the beads may vary and are chosen randomly.