Athonite Prayer Rope – Thin Waxed with Beads

Description

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

The 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 may have been the collection of small stones or seeds, which were moved from one point or container to another during the “rule” of prayer or the “rule” of small or great prostrations. It is also told that a monk once thought of making simple knots in a rope and using it in his daily prayer rule. However, the devil would untie the knots from the rope and thwart the monk’s efforts. An angel then appeared and taught the monk a special knot, which is now the form used in prayer ropes, made up of successive crosses. The devil could not undo these knots due to the presence of the crosses.

With the help of the prayer rope, one can recite short prayers, such as the prayer of the tax collector: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” or the prayer to the Theotokos: “Most Holy Theotokos, save us,” or other short prayers to the guardian angel, specific saints, or all the saints. The usual form of such a prayer is: “Holy Angel – or Holy (so-and-so) intercede for me.” By converting these short prayers into “have mercy on us” or “intercede for us” or by including the name(s) of those we wish to pray for, the prayer rope can also be used for prayers on behalf of others. The same applies for prayers for the deceased: “Grant rest, O Lord, to the soul of your servant.