Woven Prayer Rope – Mount Athos

Description

The Athonite prayer rope for the hand is woven with high-quality thread.

The prayer ropes are woven according to a tradition that goes back to ancient times. One of the earliest forms of a prayer aid may have been the collection of small stones or seeds, and moving them from one point or container to another during the “rule” of prayer or the “rule” of small or large prostrations. There is also the story of a monk who thought to make simple knots in 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 formed in prayer ropes, consisting of successive crosses. The devil could not undo these knots because of 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.