Prayer Rope with Beads – Mount Athos

Description

The Athonite prayer rope for the hand is thin, discreet, and waxed for greater durability, with beads in various colors.

The prayer ropes are woven according to a tradition that dates back to ancient times. One of the earliest forms of a prayer aid might have been the collection of small stones or seeds and moving them from one spot or container to another during the “rule” of prayer or during the “rule” of small or large prostrations. There is also the story of a monk who thought to make simple knots on a rope and use it in his daily “rule” of prayer. However, the devil would undo the knots, thwarting the efforts of the poor monk. An Angel then appeared and taught the monk a special knot, as it is now made in prayer ropes, consisting of successive 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 publican: “God, be merciful to me a sinner,” the prayer to the Theotokos: “Most Holy Theotokos, save us,” or other short prayers to the guardian angel, individual saints, or all saints. The usual form of such a prayer is: “Holy Angel – or Holy (name), pray for me.” By turning the words of these short prayers into “have mercy on us” or “pray for us” or by including the name or names of people for whom we want to pray, 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.